Methods and nucleic acids for analyses of cellular proliferative disorders

ABSTRACT

The invention provides methods, nucleic acids and kits for detecting, or for detecting and distinguishing between or among liver cell proliferative disorders or for detecting, or for detecting and distinguishing between or among colorectal cell proliferative disorders. The invention discloses genomic sequences the methylation patterns of which have utility for the improved detection of and differentiation between said class of disorders, thereby enabling the improved diagnosis and treatment of patients.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/405,322 filed Apr. 17, 2006 (issued as), and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/672,242 filed 15 Apr. 2005; 60/676,997 filed 2 May 2005; 60/697,521 filed 8 Jul. 2005; 60/704,860 filed 1 Aug. 2005; 60/709,318 filed 17 Aug. 2005; 60/723,602 filed 4 Oct. 2005; and 60/787,402 filed 30 Mar. 2006; all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to genomic DNA sequences that exhibit altered expression patterns in disease states relative to normal. Particular embodiments provide, inter alia, novel methods, nucleic acids, nucleic acid arrays and kits useful for detecting, or for detecting and differentiating between or among cell proliferative disorders. Preferably, the methods, nucleic acids, nucleic acid arrays and kits for the detection and diagnosis of cell proliferative disorders are used for the diagnosis of cancer and in particular colorectal and/or liver cancer.

SEQUENCE LISTING

A Sequence Listing, comprising SEQ ID NOS:1-158, in both electronic (.txt) and paper (.pdf) form is included and attached hereto as part of this application.

BACKGROUND

Incidence and diagnosis of cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death of the United States. Mortality rates could be significantly improved if current screening methods would be improved in terms of patient compliance, sensitivity and ease of screening. Current recommended methods for diagnosis of cancer are often expensive and are not suitable for application as population wide screening tests.

Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is the fourth most common cancer in the world, its incidence varies from 2.1 per 100,000 in North America to 80 per 100,000 in China. In the United States, it is estimated that there will be 17,550 new cases diagnosed in 2005 and 15,420 deaths due to this disease. Ultrasound of the liver, alpha fetoprotein levels and conventional CT scan are regularly obtained in the diagnostic evaluation of HCC (hepatocellular cancer or primary liver cancer), but they are often too insensitive to detect multi-focal small lesions and for treatment planning.

In the United States the annual incidence of colorectal cancer is approximately 150,000, with 56,600 individuals dying form colorectal cancer each year. The lifetime risk of colorectal cancer in the general population is about 5 to 6 percent. Despite intensive efforts in recent years in screening and early detection of colon cancer, until today most cases are diagnosed in an advanced stage with regional or distant metastasis. While the therapeutic options include surgery and adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy, most patients die from progression of their cancer within a few months. Identifying the molecular changes that underlie the development of colon cancer may help to develop new monitoring, screening, diagnostic and therapeutic options that could improve the overall poor prognosis of these patients.

The current guidelines for colorectal screening according to the American Cancer Society utilizes one of five different options for screening in average risk individuals 50 years of age or older. These options include 1) fecal occult blood test (FOBT) annually, 2) flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, 3) annual FPBT plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, 4) double contrast barium enema (DCBE) every five years or 5) colonoscopy every ten years. Even though these testing procedures are well accepted by the medical community, the implementation of widespread screening for colorectal cancer has not been realized. Patient compliance is a major factor for limited use due to the discomfort or inconvenience associated with the procedures. FOBT testing, although a non-invasive procedure, requires dietary and other restrictions 3-5 days prior to testing. Sensitivity levels for this test are also very low for colorectal adenocarcinoma with wide variability depending on the trial. Sensitivity measurements for detection of adenomas is even less since most adenomas do not bleed. In contrast, sensitivity for more invasive procedures such as sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are quite high because of direct visualization of the lumen of the colon. No randomized trials have evaluated the efficacy of these techniques, however, using data from case-control studies and data from the National Polyp Study (U.S.) it has been shown that removal of adenomatous polyps results in a 76-90% reduction in CRC incidence. Sigmoidoscopy has the limitation of only visualizing the left side of the colon leaving lesions in the right colon undetected. Both scoping procedures are expensive, require cathartic preparation and have increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Improved tests with increased sensitivity, specificity, ease of use and decreased costs are clearly needed before general widespread screening for colorectal cancer becomes routine.

Early colorectal cancer detection is generally based on the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) performed annually on asymptomatic individuals. Current recommendations adapted by several healthcare organizations, including the American Cancer Society, call for fecal occult blood testing beginning at age 50, repeated annually until such time as the patient would no longer benefit from screening. A positive FOBT leads to colonoscopic examination of the bowel; an expensive and invasive procedure, with a serious complication rate of one per 5,000 examinations. Only 12% of patients with heme positive stool are diagnosed with cancer or large polyps at the time of colonoscopy. A number of studies show that FOBT screening does not improve cancer-related mortality or overall survival. Compliance with occult blood testing has been poor; less than 20 percent of the population is offered or completes FOBT as recommended. If FOBT is properly done, the patient collects a fecal sample from three consecutive bowel movements. Samples are obtained while the patient adheres to dietary guidelines and avoids medications known to induce occult gastrointestinal bleeding. In reality, physicians frequently fail to instruct patients properly, patients frequently fail to adhere to protocol, and some patients find the task of collecting fecal samples difficult or unpleasant, hence compliance with annual occult blood testing is poor. If testing sensitivity and specificity can be improved over current methods, the frequency of testing could be reduced, collection of consecutive samples would be eliminated, dietary and medication schedule modifications would be eliminated, and patient compliance would be enhanced. Compounding the problem of compliance, the sensitivity and specificity of FOBT to detect colon cancer is poor. Poor test specificity leads to unnecessary colonoscopy, adding considerable expense to colon cancer screening.

Specificity of the FOBT has been calculated at best to be 96%, with a sensitivity of 43% (adenomas) and 50% (colorectal carcinoma). Sensitivity can be improved using an immunoassay FOBT such as that produced under the tradename ‘InSure™’, with an improved sensitivity of 77% (adenomas) and 88.9% (colorectal carcinoma.

Molecular disease markers. Molecular disease markers offer several advantages over other types of markers, one advantage being that even samples of very small sizes and/or samples whose tissue architecture has not been maintained can be analyzed quite efficiently. Within the last decade a number of genes have been shown to be differentially expressed between normal and colon carcinomas. However, no single or combination of marker has been shown to be sufficient for the diagnosis of colon carcinomas. High-dimensional mRNA based approaches have recently been shown to be able to provide a better means to distinguish between different tumor types and benign and malignant lesions. However its application as a routine diagnostic tool in a clinical environment is impeded by the extreme instability of mRNA, the rapidly occurring expression changes following certain triggers (e.g., sample collection), and, most importantly, the large amount of mRNA needed for analysis (Lipshutz, R. J. et al., Nature Genetics 21:20-24, 1999; Bowtell, D. D. L. Nature genetics suppl. 21:25-32, 1999), which often cannot be obtained from a routine biopsy.

The use of biological markers to further improve sensitivity and specificity of FOBT has been suggested, examples of such tests include the PreGen-Plus™ stool analysis assay available from EXACT Sciences which has a sensitivity of 20% (adenoma) and 52% (colorectal carcinoma) and a specificity of 95% in both cases. This test assays for the presence of 23 DNA mutations associated with the development of colon neoplasms. The use of DNA methylation as colon cancer markers is known. For example Sabbioni et al. (Molecular Diagnosis 7:201-207, 2003) detected hypermethylation of a panel of genes consisiting TPEF, HIC1, DAPK and MGMT in peripheral blood in 98% of colon carcinoma patients. However, this does provide a suitable basis for a commercially marketable test, as the specificity of such a test must also be sufficiently high.

The current model of colorectal pathogenesis favours a stepwise progression of adenomas, which includes the development of dysplasia and finally signs of invasive cancer. The molecular changes underlying this adenoma-carcinoma sequence include genetic and epigenetic alterations of tumor suppressor genes (APC, p53, DCC), the activation of oncogenes (K-ras) and the inactivation of DNA mismatch repair genes. Recently, further molecular changes and genetic defects have been revealed. Thus, activation of the Wnt signalling pathway not only includes mutations of the APC gene, but may also result from β-catenin mutations. Furthermore, alterations in the TGF-β signalling pathway together with its signal transducers SMAD4 and SMAD2 have been linked to the development of colon cancer.

Despite recent progress in the understanding of the pathogenesis of adenomas and carcinomas of the colon and their genetic and molecular changes, the genetic and epigenetic changes underlying the development of metastasis are less well understood. It is, however, generally well accepted that the process of invasion and proteolysis of the extracellular matrix, as well as infiltration of the vascular basement membrane involve adhesive proteins, such as members of the family of integrin receptors, the cadherins, the immunoglobulin superfamily, the laminin binding protein and the CD44 receptor. Apart from adhesion, the process of metastasis formation also includes the induction and regulation of angiogenesis (VEGF, bFGF), the induction of cell proliferation (EGF, HGF, IGF) and the activation of proteolytic enzymes (MMPs, TIMPs, uPAR), as well as the inhibition of apoptosis (Bcl-2, Bcl-X). More recently other groups have compared the genetic and molecular changes in metastatic lesions to the changes found in primary colorectal cancers. Thus, Kleeff et al. reported the loss of DOC-2, a candidate tumor suppressor gene, both in primary and metastatic colorectal cancer. Furthermore, Zauber et al. reported that in their series of 42 colorectal cancers Ki-ras mutations in the primary cancers were identical in all of the 42 paired primary and synchronous metastatic lesions. Similarly loss of heterozygosity at the APC locus was identical for 39 paired carcinomas and synchronous metastasis. The authors concluded that for Ki-ras and APC genes the genetic changes in metastasis are identical to the primary colorectal cancer. However, other groups have found genetic and molecular changes in metastatic colon cancers, that are not present in the primary cancers. Thus, the development of LOH of chromosome 3p in colorectal metastasis has been reported. In addition, using comparative genomic hybridization several alterations were found in liver metastasis that were unique to metastastic lesions (-9q, -11 q, and -17q).

CpG island methylation. Apart from mutations aberrant methylation of CpG islands has been shown to lead to the transcriptional silencing of certain genes that have been previously linked to the pathogenesis of various cancers. CpG islands are short sequences which are rich in CpG dinucleotides and can usually be found in the 5′ region of approximately 50% of all human genes. Methylation of the cytosines in these islands leads to the loss of gene expression and has been reported in the inactivation of the X chromosome and genomic imprinting.

Recently several groups have also analysed the methylation of various genes in colorectal cancer and reported the transcriptional silencing by promoter methylation for p16INK4, p14ARF, p15INK4b, MGMT, hMLH1, GSTP1, DAPK, CDH1, TIMP-3 and APC among others. Thus apart from mutational inactivation of certain genes, the hypermethylation of these genes also contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of this disease.

In recent years several genes that are methylated in colon cancer have been identified by MS-APPCR. This group of genes, among others, includes TPEF/HPP1 which is frequently methylated in colon cancers and which was independently identified by two different groups using the MS-APPCR method (see, e.g., Young J, Biden K G, Simms L A, Huggard P, Karamatic R, Eyre H J, Sutherland G R, Herath N, Barker M, Anderson G J, Fitzpatrick D R, Ramm G A, Jass J R, Leggett B A. HPP1: a transmembrane protein-encoding gene commonly methylated in colorectal polyps and cancers. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 98:265-270, 2001).

Multifactorial approach. Cancer diagnostics has traditionally relied upon the detection of single molecular markers (e.g., gene mutations, elevated PSA levels). Unfortunately, cancer is a disease state in which single markers have typically failed to detect or differentiate many forms of the disease. Thus, assays that recognize only a single marker have been shown to be of limited predictive value. A fundamental aspect of this invention is that methylation-based cancer diagnostics and the screening, diagnosis, and therapeutic monitoring of such diseases will provide significant improvements over the state-of-the-art that uses single marker analyses by the use of a selection of multiple markers. The multiplexed analytical approach is particularly well suited for cancer diagnostics since cancer is not a simple disease, this multi-factorial “panel” approach is consistent with the heterogeneous nature of cancer, both cytologically and clinically.

Key to the successful implementation of a panel approach to methylation based diagnostic tests is the design and development of optimized panels of markers that can characterize and distinguish disease states. The present invention describes a plurality of particularly efficient and unique panels of genes, the methylation analysis of one or a combination of the members of the panel enabling the detection of colon cell proliferative disorders with a particularly high sensitivity, specificity and/or predictive value.

Development of medical tests. Two key evaluative measures of any medical screening or diagnostic test are its sensitivity and specificity, which measure how well the test performs to accurately detect all affected individuals without exception, and without falsely including individuals who do not have the target disease (predicitive value). Historically, many diagnostic tests have been criticized due to poor sensitivity and specificity.

A true positive (TP) result is where the test is positive and the condition is present. A false positive (FP) result is where the test is positive but the condition is not present. A true negative (TN) result is where the test is negative and the condition is not present. A false negative (FN) result is where the test is negative but the condition is not present. In this context: Sensitivity=TP/(TP+FN); Specificity=TN/(FP+TN); and Predictive value=TP/(TP+FP).

Sensitivity is a measure of a test's ability to correctly detect the target disease in an individual being tested. A test having poor sensitivity produces a high rate of false negatives, i.e., individuals who have the disease but are falsely identified as being free of that particular disease. The potential danger of a false negative is that the diseased individual will remain undiagnosed and untreated for some period of time, during which the disease may progress to a later stage wherein treatments, if any, may be less effective. An example of a test that has low sensitivity is a protein-based blood test for HIV. This type of test exhibits poor sensitivity because it fails to detect the presence of the virus until the disease is well established and the virus has invaded the bloodstream in substantial numbers. In contrast, an example of a test that has high sensitivity is viral-load detection using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). High sensitivity is achieved because this type of test can detect very small quantities of the virus. High sensitivity is particularly important when the consequences of missing a diagnosis are high.

Specificity, on the other hand, is a measure of a test's ability to identify accurately patients who are free of the disease state. A test having poor specificity produces a high rate of false positives, i.e., individuals who are falsely identified as having the disease. A drawback of false positives is that they force patients to undergo unnecessary medical procedures treatments with their attendant risks, emotional and financial stresses, and which could have adverse effects on the patient's health. A feature of diseases which makes it difficult to develop diagnostic tests with high specificity is that disease mechanisms, particularly in cancer, often involve a plurality of genes and proteins. Additionally, certain proteins may be elevated for reasons unrelated to a disease state. n example of a test that has high specificity is a gene-based test that can detect a p53 mutation. Specificity is important when the cost or risk associated with further diagnostic procedures or further medical intervention are very high.

Pronounced need in the art. It is generally accepted that there is a pronounced need in the art for improved screening and early detection of cancers. As an example, if colon cancer screening specificity can be increased, the problem of false positive test results leading to unnecessary colonoscopic examination would be reduced leading to cost savings and improved safety.

In view of the incidence of cancers in general and more particularly the disadvantages associated with current colorectal and hepatocelluar cell proliferative disorder screening methods there is a substantial need in the art for improved methods for the early detection of cancer, in particular colon cancer, to be used in addition to or as a substitute for currently available tests.

Background of the Septin 9 gene. The human Septin 9 gene (also known as MLL septin-like fusion protein, MLL septin-like fusion protein MSF-A, Slpa, Eseptin, Msf, septin-like protein Ovarian/Breast septin (Ov/Br septin) and Septin D1) is located on chromosome 17q25 within contig AC068594.15.1.168501 and is a member of the Septin gene family. FIG. 1 provides the Ensembl annotation of the Septin 9 gene, and shows 4 transcript variants, the Septin 9 variants and the Q9HC74 variants (which are truncated versions of the Septin 9 transcripts). SEQ ID NO:1 provides the sequence of said gene, comprising regions of both the Septin 9 and Q9HC74 transcripts and promoter regions. SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3 are sub-regions thereof that provide the sequence of CpG-rich promoter regions of Septin 9 and Q9HC74 transcripts, respectively.

It has been postulated that members of the Septin gene family are associated with multiple cellular functions ranging from vesicle transport to cytokinesis. Disruption of the action of Septin 9 results in incomplete cell division, see Surka, M. C., Tsang, C. W., and Trimble, W. S. Mol Biol Cell, 13: 3532-45 (2002). Septin 9 and other proteins have been shown to be fusion partners of the proto-oncogene MLL suggesting a role in tumorogenesis, see Osaka, M, Rowley, J. D. and Zeleznik-Le, N. J. PNAS, 96:6428-6433 (1999). Burrows et al. reported an in depth study of expression of the multiple isoforms of the Septin 9 gene in ovarian cancer and showed tissue specific expression of various transcripts, see Burrows, J. F., Chanduloy, et al. S.E.H. Journal of Pathology, 201:581-588 (2003).

A recent study (post-priority date published prior art) of over 7,000 normal and tumor tissues indicates that there is consistent over-expression of Septin 9 isoforms in a number of tumor tissues, see Scott, M., Hyland, P. L., et al. Oncogene, 24: 4688-4700 (2005). The authors speculate that the gene is likely a type II cancer gene where changes in RNA transcript processing control regulation of different protein products, and the levels of these altered protein isoforms may provide answers to the gene's role in malignancy.

The MSF (migration stimulating factor) protein transcribed from the FN1 gene has also been implicated in carcinogenesis (see WO99/31233), however it should be noted that this protein is not the subject of the present application, and is currently not known to be associated with the Septin 9/MSF gene and transcribed products thereof.

From the references cited above it can be seen that the biological mechanisms linking said gene to tumorigenesis remain unclear. In WO 200407441 it is claimed that increased copy number and over-expression of the gene is a marker of cancer, and further provides means for diagnosis and treatment thereof according to said observation. WO 200407441 is accordingly the closest prior art as it has the greatest number of features in common with the method and nucleic acids of the present invention, and because it relates to the same field (cancer diagnosis). A major difference between the present invention and that of WO 200407441 is that the present invention shows for the first time that under-expression of the gene Septin 9 is associated with cancer. More particularly this is illustrated by means of methylation analysis. The correlation between expression and DNA methylation, and methods for determining DNA methylation are known in the art (see WO 99/28498). Nonetheless, it would not be obvious to the person skilled in the art that under-expression would be also associated with the development of cancer, in particular as WO 200407441 describes the modulation of said expression to lower levels as a potential therapy for cancer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for detecting and/or classifying cell proliferative disorders in a subject comprising determining the expression levels of Septin 9 in a biological sample isolated from said subject wherein underexpression and/or CpG methylation is indicative of the presence or class of said disorder. Various aspects of the present invention provide an efficient and unique genetic marker, whereby expression analysis of said marker enables the detection of cellular proliferative disorders with a particularly high sensitivity, specificity and/or predictive value. Furthermore, said marker enables the differentiation of neoplastic cellular proliferative disorders (including pre-cancerous conditions) from benign cellular proliferative disorders. The marker of the present invention is particularly suited for detection of colorectal and hepatocellular carcinomas. In the context of colorectal carcinoma the inventive testing methods have particular utility for the screening of at-risk populations. The inventive methods have advantages over prior art methods (including the industry standard FOBT), because of improved sensitivity, specificity and likely patient compliance.

The methods and nucleic acids of the present invention are most preferably utilised for detecting liver cancer or distinguishing it from other liver cell proliferative disorders or for detecting colorectal carcinoma or pre-cancerous colorectal cell proliferative disorders.

In one embodiment the invention provides a method for detecting and/or classifying cell proliferative disorders in a subject comprising determining the expression levels of Septin 9 in a biological sample isolated from said subject wherein underexpression and/or CpG methylation is indicative of the presence or class of said disorder. In one embodiment said expression level is determined by detecting the presence, absence or level of mRNA transcribed from said gene. In a further embodiment said expression level is determined by detecting the presence, absence or level of a polypeptide encoded by said gene or sequence thereof.

In a further preferred embodiment, said expression is determined by detecting the presence or absence of CpG methylation within said gene, wherein the presence of methylation indicates the presence of a cell proliferative disorder. In particular aspects, said method comprises the following steps: i) contacting genomic DNA isolated from a biological sample (preferably selected from the group consisting of blood plasma, blood serum, whole blood, isolated blood cells, cells isolated from the blood) obtained from a subject with at least one reagent, or series of reagents that distinguishes between methylated and non-methylated CpG dinucleotides within at least one target region of the genomic DNA, wherein the nucleotide sequence of said target region comprises at least one CpG dinucleotide sequence of the gene Septin 9; and ii) detecting and/or classifying cell proliferative disorders, at least in part thereby. Preferably the target region comprises, or hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence of at least 16 contiguous nucleotides of at least one sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3.

Preferably, the sensitivity of said detection is from about 75% to about 96%, or from about 80% to about 90%, or from about 80% to about 85%. Preferably, the specificity is from about 75% to about 96%, or from about 80% to about 90%, or from about 80% to about 85%.

The method is novel and has substantially utility, because, for example, no methods currently exist that enable the detection of cancer by analysis of body fluids, with a sensitivity and specificity high enough for use in a commercially-available and regulatory body-approved assay. For example, current methods used to detect and diagnose colorectal carcinoma include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and fecal occult blood colon cancer. In comparison to these methods, the disclosed invention is much less invasive than colonoscopy, and as, if not more sensitive than sigmoidoscopy and FOBT. The development of a body fluid assay represents a clear technical improvement and advantage over current methods known in the art in that it is anticipated that, at least for colorectal carcinoma screening, patient compliance for a single body fluid-based test will be higher than the triplicate analysis of stool currently recommended for FOBT.

As a further illustration, current methods used to detect and diagnose liver cancers include PET and MRI imaging and cytology screening of aspirate or biopsy. Radiological screening methods do not usually detect cancers at early stages and are expensive and time consuming to carry out. Cytological screening presents risks associated with biopsy (internal bleeding) and aspiration (needle-track seeding and haemorrhage, bile peritonitis, and pneumothorax). Accordingly, detection of liver cancer at an early stage is currently not possible. Furthermore as patient prognosis is greatly improved by early detection there exists a need in the art for such a screening test.

A particular embodiment the method comprises the use of the gene Septin 9 or its truncated transcript Q9HC74 as a marker for the detection and distinguishing of cellular proliferative disorders. The present invention is particularly suited for the detection of neoplastic cellular proliferative disorders (including at the pre-neoplastic stage). Furthermore, the methods and nucleic acids of the present invention enable the differentiation of malignant from benign cellular proliferative disorders. The methods and nucleic acids of the present invention are particularly effective in the detection of colorectal or liver neoplastic disorders and pre-neoplastic. Furthermore, they have utility in differentiating between neoplastic and benign cellular proliferative colorectal and hepatocellular disorders.

Said use of the gene may be enabled by means of any analysis of the expression of the gene, by means of mRNA expression analysis or protein expression analysis. However, in the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the detection, differentiation and distinguishing of, for example, colorectal or liver cell proliferative disorders is enabled by means of analysis of the methylation status of the gene Septin 9 or its truncated transcript Q9HC74, and its promoter or regulatory elements.

The invention provides a method for the analysis of biological samples for features associated with the development of cellular proliferative disorders, the method characterized in that at least one nucleic acid, or a fragment thereof, from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 is contacted with a reagent or series of reagents capable of distinguishing between methylated and non methylated CpG dinucleotides within the genomic sequence, or sequences of interest.

Aspects of the present invention provide a method for ascertaining epigenetic parameters of genomic DNA associated with the development of neoplastic cellular proliferative disorders (e.g., cancers). In particular aspects, the method has utility for the improved diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of said diseases.

Preferably, the source of the test sample is selected from the group consisting of cells or cell lines, histological slides, biopsies, paraffin-embedded tissue, body fluids, ejaculate, stool, urine, blood, and combinations thereof. More preferably, the source is selected from the group consisting of stool, blood plasma, blood serum, whole blood, isolated blood cells, cells isolated from the blood obtained from the subject.

In particular specific aspects, the present invention provides a method for detecting neoplastic cellular proliferative disorders (preferably colorectal and/or liver cell) including at the early pre-cancerous stage, and for differentiating between neoplastic and benign cellular proliferative disorders, comprising: obtaining a biological sample comprising genomic nucleic acid(s); contacting the nucleic acid(s), or a fragment thereof, with one reagent or a plurality of reagents sufficient for distinguishing between methylated and non methylated CpG dinucleotide sequences within a target sequence of the subject nucleic acid, wherein the target sequence comprises, or hybridises under stringent conditions to, a sequence comprising at least 16 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO:1, or more preferably SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3, said contiguous nucleotides comprising at least one CpG dinucleotide sequence; and determining, based at least in part on said distinguishing, the methylation state of at least one target CpG dinucleotide sequence, or an average, or a value reflecting an average methylation state of a plurality of target CpG dinucleotide sequences.

Preferably, distinguishing between methylated and non methylated CpG dinucleotide sequences within the target sequence comprises methylation state-dependent conversion or non-conversion of at least one such CpG dinucleotide sequence to the corresponding converted or non-converted dinucleotide sequence within a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15, and contiguous regions thereof corresponding to the target sequence.

Additional embodiments provide a method for the detection of neoplastic cellular proliferative disorders (or distinguishing them from benign cellular proliferative disorders), most preferably colorectal or hepatocellular, comprising: obtaining a biological sample having subject genomic DNA; extracting the genomic DNA; treating the genomic DNA, or a fragment thereof, with one or more reagents to convert 5-position unmethylated cytosine bases to uracil or to another base that is detectably dissimilar to cytosine in terms of hybridization properties; contacting the treated genomic DNA, or the treated fragment thereof, with an amplification enzyme and at least two primers comprising, in each case a contiguous sequence at least 9 nucleotides in length that is complementary to, or hybridizes under moderately stringent or stringent conditions to a sequence selected from the group consisting SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15, and complements thereof, wherein the treated DNA or the fragment thereof is either amplified to produce an amplificate, or is not amplified; and determining, based on a presence or absence of, or on a property of said amplificate, the methylation state or an average, or a value reflecting an average of the methylation level of at least one, but more preferably a plurality of CpG dinucleotides of a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3.

Preferably, determining comprises use of at least one method selected from the group consisting of: I) hybridizing at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a contiguous sequence at least 9 nucleotides in length that is complementary to, or hybridizes under moderately stringent or stringent conditions to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15, and complements thereof; ii) hybridizing at least one nucleic acid molecule, bound to a solid phase, comprising a contiguous sequence at least 9 nucleotides in length that is complementary to, or hybridizes under moderately stringent or stringent conditions to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15, and complements thereof; iii) hybridizing at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a contiguous sequence at least 9 nucleotides in length that is complementary to, or hybridizes under moderately stringent or stringent conditions to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15, and complements thereof, and extending at least one such hybridized nucleic acid molecule by at least one nucleotide base; and iv) sequencing of the amplificate.

Further embodiments provide a method for the analysis (i.e., detection and/or classification) of cell proliferative disorders, comprising: obtaining a biological sample having subject genomic DNA; extracting the genomic DNA; contacting the genomic DNA, or a fragment thereof, comprising one or more sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 or a sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions thereto, with one or more methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes, wherein the genomic DNA is either digested thereby to produce digestion fragments, or is not digested thereby; and determining, based on a presence or absence of, or on property of at least one such fragment, the methylation state of at least one CpG dinucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, or an average, or a value reflecting an average methylation state of a plurality of CpG dinucleotide sequences thereof. Preferably, the digested or undigested genomic DNA is amplified prior to said determining.

Additional embodiments provide novel genomic and chemically modified nucleic acid sequences, as well as oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for analysis of cytosine methylation patterns within sequences from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:3.

Further embodiments provide the use of the above methods nucleic acids and/or kits in the diagnosis and/or classification of cellular proliferative disorders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the Ensembl human genome annotation of the Septin 9 and Q9HC74 gene transcripts. The relative locations of SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3 are also shown.

FIG. 2 provides three plots. The two plots on the left show the sensitivity of the assay of SEQ ID NO:1 (Assay 2) in colorectal carcinoma and blood samples in Example 2 herein. The plot to the right provides a ROC of the colorectal carcinoma detection.

FIG. 3 shows the methylation levels measured in other cancers according to Example 4 herein.

FIG. 4 shows the methylation levels measured in other non-cancerous diseases, according to Example 4 herein.

FIGS. 5 to 29 provide matrices of the bisulfite sequencing data according to Example 5 herein. Each column of the matrices represents the sequencing data for a replicate of one sample, all replicates of each sample are grouped together in one block. Each row of a matrix represents a single CpG site within the fragment. The CpG number of the amplificate is shown to the left of the matrices. The amount of measured methylation at each CpG position is represented by color from light grey (0% methylation), to medium grey (50% methylation), to dark grey (100% methylation). Some amplificates, samples or CpG positions were not successfully sequenced and these are shown in white.

FIGS. 5 to 12 provide an overview of the sequencing of the bisulfite converted amplificates of the genomic sequence according to Table 21 in 4 samples that had previously been quantified (by HeavyMethyl™ assay) as having between 10% and 20% methylation.

FIGS. 13 to 20 provide an overview of the sequencing of the bisulfite converted amplificate of the genomic sequence according to Table 21 in 2 samples that had previously been quantified (by HeavyMethyl™ assay) as having greater than 20% methylation.

FIGS. 21 to 22 provide an overview of the sequencing of the bisulfite converted amplificate of the genomic sequence according to Table 21 in blood samples from 3 healthy subjects.

FIGS. 23 to 29 provide an overview of the sequencing of the bisulfite converted amplificate of the genomic sequence according to Table 21 in 6 samples that had previously been quantified (by HeavyMethyl™ assay) as having less than 10% (but greater than 0%) methylation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions:

The term “Observed/Expected Ratio” (“O/E Ratio”) refers to the frequency of CpG dinucleotides within a particular DNA sequence, and corresponds to the [number of CpG sites/(number of C bases×number of G bases)]/band length for each fragment.

The term “CpG island” refers to a contiguous region of genomic DNA that satisfies the criteria of (1) having a frequency of CpG dinucleotides corresponding to an “Observed/Expected Ratio”>0.6, and (2) having a “GC Content”>0.5. CpG islands are typically, but not always, between about 0.2 to about 1 KB, or to about 2 kb in length.

The term “methylation state” or “methylation status” refers to the presence or absence of 5-methylcytosine (“5-mCyt”) at one or a plurality of CpG dinucleotides within a DNA sequence. Methylation states at one or more particular CpG methylation sites (each having two CpG dinucleotide sequences) within a DNA sequence include “unmethylated,” “fully-methylated” and “hemi-methylated.”

The term “hemi-methylation” or “hemimethylation” refers to the methylation state of a double stranded DNA wherein only one strand thereof is methylated.

The term ‘AUC’ as used herein is an abbreviation for the area under a curve. In particular it refers to the area under a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. The ROC curve is a plot of the true positive rate against the false positive rate for the different possible cut points of a diagnostic test. It shows the trade-off between sensitivity and specificity depending on the selected cut point (any increase in sensitivity will be accompanied by a decrease in specificity). The area under an ROC curve (AUC) is a measure for the accuracy of a diagnostic test (the larger the area the better, optimum is 1, a random test would have a ROC curve lying on the diagonal with an area of 0.5; for reference: J. P. Egan. Signal Detection Theory and ROC Analysis, Academic Press, New York, 1975).

The term “hypermethylation” refers to the average methylation state corresponding to an increased presence of 5-mCyt at one or a plurality of CpG dinucleotides within a DNA sequence of a test DNA sample, relative to the amount of 5-mCyt found at corresponding CpG dinucleotides within a normal control DNA sample.

The term “hypomethylation” refers to the average methylation state corresponding to a decreased presence of 5-mCyt at one or a plurality of CpG dinucleotides within a DNA sequence of a test DNA sample, relative to the amount of 5-mCyt found at corresponding CpG dinucleotides within a normal control DNA sample.

The term “microarray” refers broadly to both “DNA microarrays,” and DNA chip(s),' as recognized in the art, encompasses all art-recognized solid supports, and encompasses all methods for affixing nucleic acid molecules thereto or synthesis of nucleic acids thereon.

“Genetic parameters” are mutations and polymorphisms of genes and sequences further required for their regulation. To be designated as mutations are, in particular, insertions, deletions, point mutations, inversions and polymorphisms and, particularly preferred, SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms).

“Epigenetic parameters” are, in particular, cytosine methylation. Further epigenetic parameters include, for example, the acetylation of histones which, however, cannot be directly analyzed using the described method but which, in turn, correlate with the DNA methylation.

The term “bisulfite reagent” refers to a reagent comprising bisulfite, disulfite, hydrogen sulfite or combinations thereof, useful as disclosed herein to distinguish between methylated and unmethylated CpG dinucleotide sequences.

The term “Methylation assay” refers to any assay for determining the methylation state of one or more CpG dinucleotide sequences within a sequence of DNA.

The term “MS.AP-PCR” (Methylation-Sensitive Arbitrarily-Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction) refers to the art-recognized technology that allows for a global scan of the genome using CG-rich primers to focus on the regions most likely to contain CpG dinucleotides, and described by Gonzalgo et al., Cancer Research 57:594-599, 1997.

The term “MethyLight™” refers to the art-recognized fluorescence-based real-time PCR technique described by Eads et al., Cancer Res. 59:2302-2306, 1999.

The term “HeavyMethyl™” assay, in the embodiment thereof implemented herein, refers to an assay, wherein methylation specific blocking probes (also referred to herein as blockers) covering CpG positions between, or covered by the amplification primers enable methylation-specific selective amplification of a nucleic acid sample.

The term “HeavyMethyl™ MethyLight™” assay, in the embodiment thereof implemented herein, refers to a HeavyMethyl™ MethyLight™ assay, which is a variation of the MethyLight™ assay, wherein the MethyLight™ assay is combined with methylation specific blocking probes covering CpG positions between the amplification primers.

The term “Ms-SNuPE” (Methylation-sensitive Single Nucleotide Primer Extension) refers to the art-recognized assay described by Gonzalgo & Jones, Nucleic Acids Res. 25:2529-2531, 1997.

The term “MSP” (Methylation-specific PCR) refers to the art-recognized methylation assay described by Herman et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:9821-9826, 1996, and by U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,146.

The term “COBRA” (Combined Bisulfite Restriction Analysis) refers to the art-recognized methylation assay described by Xiong & Laird, Nucleic Acids Res. 25:2532-2534, 1997.

The term “MCA” (Methylated CpG Island Amplification) refers to the methylation assay described by Toyota et al., Cancer Res. 59:2307-12, 1999, and in WO 00/26401A1.

The term “hybridisation” or “hydridization” is to be understood as a bond of an oligonucleotide to a complementary sequence along the lines of the Watson-Crick base pairings in the sample DNA, forming a duplex structure.

“Stringent hybridisation (or hybridization) conditions,” as defined herein, involve hybridising at 68° C. in 5× SSC/5× Denhardt's solution/1.0% SDS, and washing in 0.2× SSC/0.1% SDS at room temperature, or involve the art-recognized equivalent thereof (e.g., conditions in which a hybridisation is carried out at 60° C. in 2.5× SSC buffer, followed by several washing steps at 37° C. in a low buffer concentration, and remains stable). Moderately stringent conditions, as defined herein, involve including washing in 3× SSC at 42° C., or the art-recognized equivalent thereof. The parameters of salt concentration and temperature can be varied to achieve the optimal level of identity between the probe and the target nucleic acid. Guidance regarding such conditions is available in the art, for example, by Sambrook et al., 1989, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press, N.Y.; and Ausubel et al. (eds.), 1995, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, (John Wiley & Sons, N.Y.) at Unit 2.10.

The terms “Methylation-specific restriction enzymes” or “methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes” shall be taken to mean an enzyme that selectively digests a nucleic acid dependant on the methylation state of its recognition site. In the case of such restriction enzymes which specifically cut if the recognition site is not methylated or hemimethylated, the cut will not take place, or with a significantly reduced efficiency, if the recognition site is methylated. In the case of such restriction enzymes which specifically cut if the recognition site is methylated, the cut will not take place, or with a significantly reduced efficiency if the recognition site is not methylated. Preferred are methylation-specific restriction enzymes, the recognition sequence of which contains a CG dinucleotide (for instance cgcg or cccggg). Further preferred for some embodiments are restriction enzymes that do not cut if the cytosine in this dinucleotide is methylated at the carbon atom C5.

“Non-methylation-specific restriction enzymes” or “non-methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes” are restriction enzymes that cut a nucleic acid sequence irrespective of the methylation state with nearly identical efficiency. They are also called “methylation-unspecific restriction enzymes.”

The term “Septin 9” shall be taken to include all transcript variants thereof (including for example its truncated transcript Q9HC74) and all promoter and regulatory elements thereof. Furthermore as a plurality of SNPs are known within said gene the term shall be taken to include all sequence variants thereof.

The term “pre-cancerous” or “pre-neoplastic” and equivalents thereof shall be taken to mean any cellular proliferative disorder which is undergoing malignant transformation. Examples of such conditions include, in the context of colorectal cellular proliferative disorders, cellular proliferative disorders with a high degree of dysplasia and the following classes of adenomas:

Level 1: penetration of malignant glands through the muscularis mucosa into the submucosa, within the polyp head

Level 2: the same submucosal invasion, but present at the junction of the head to the stalk

Level 3: invasion of the stalk

Level 4: invasion of the stalk's base at the connection to the colonic wall (this level corresponds to stage Dukes A)

Overview:

IN particular aspects, the present invention provides a method for detecting and/or classifying cell proliferative disorders in a subject comprising determining the expression levels of Septin 9 in a biological sample isolated from said subject wherein underexpression and/or CpG methylation is indicative of the presence or class of said disorder. Said markers may be used, for example, for the diagnosis of neoplastic cellular proliferative disorders (cancer), including early detection during the pre-cancerous stages of the disease, and furthermore for the differentiation of neoplastic from benign cellular proliferative disorders. Certain aspects disclose a method wherein a neoplastic cell proliferative disorder is distinguished from a benign cell proliferative disorder, said method characterized in that underexpression and/or the presence of CpG methylation is indicative of the presence of a neoplastic cell proliferative disorder or pre-neoplastic disorder and the absence thereof is indicative of the presence of a benign cell proliferative disorder.

Additionally, the markers of the present invention are particularly efficient in detecting or distinguishing between or among liver cell proliferative disorders or alternatively for detecting or distinguishing between or among colorectal cell proliferative disorders, thereby providing improved means for the early detection, classification and treatment of said disorders.

In addition to the embodiments above, wherein the methylation analysis of the gene Septin 9 or its truncated transcript Q9HC74 is analysed, the invention presents further panels of genes comprising Septin 9 or its truncated transcript Q9HC74 with novel utility for the detection of cancers, in particular liver and/or colorectal cancer.

In a first further embodiment, the present invention is based upon the analysis of CpG methylaton status of the gene Septin 9 or its truncated transcript Q9HC74 and one or more genes taken from the group consisting of Septin 9, Q9HC74, FOXL2, NGFR, TMEFF2, SIX6, SARM1, VTN and ZDHHC22 according to TABLE 1, and/or their regulatory sequences.

It is further preferred that the sequences of said genes are as according to TABLE 1.

Bisulfite modification of DNA is an art-recognized tool used to assess CpG methylation status. 5-methylcytosine is the most frequent covalent base modification in the DNA of eukaryotic cells. It plays a role, for example, in the regulation of the transcription, in genetic imprinting, and in tumorigenesis. Therefore, the identification of 5-methylcytosine as a component of genetic information is of considerable interest. However, 5-methylcytosine positions cannot be identified by sequencing, because 5-methylcytosine has the same base pairing behavior as cytosine. Moreover, the epigenetic information carried by 5-methylcytosine is completely lost during, e.g., PCR amplification.

The most frequently used method for analyzing DNA for the presence of 5-methylcytosine is based upon the specific reaction of bisulfite with cytosine whereby, upon subsequent alkaline hydrolysis, cytosine is converted to uracil which corresponds to thymine in its base pairing behavior. Significantly, however, 5-methylcytosine remains unmodified under these conditions. Consequently, the original DNA is converted in such a manner that methylcytosine, which originally could not be distinguished from cytosine by its hybridization behavior, can now be detected as the only remaining cytosine using standard, art-recognized molecular biological techniques, for example, by amplification and hybridization, or by sequencing. All of these techniques are based on differential base pairing properties, which can now be fully exploited.

The prior art, in terms of sensitivity, is defined by a method comprising enclosing the DNA to be analysed in an agarose matrix, thereby preventing the diffusion and renaturation of the DNA (bisulfite only reacts with single-stranded DNA), and replacing all precipitation and purification steps with fast dialysis (Olek A, et al., A modified and improved method for bisulfite based cytosine methylation analysis, Nucleic Acids Res. 24:5064-6, 1996). It is thus possible to analyse individual cells for methylation status, illustrating the utility and sensitivity of the method. An overview of art-recognized methods for detecting 5-methylcytosine is provided by Rein, T., et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 26:2255, 1998

The bisulfite technique, barring few exceptions (e.g., Zeschnigk M, et al., Eur J Hum Genet. 5:94-98, 1997), is currently only used in research. In all instances, short, specific fragments of a known gene are amplified subsequent to a bisulfite treatment, and either completely sequenced (Olek & Walter, Nat Genet. 1997 17:275-6, 1997), subjected to one or more primer extension reactions (Gonzalgo & Jones, Nucleic Acids Res., 25:2529-31, 1997; WO 95/00669; U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,594) to analyse individual cytosine positions, or treated by enzymatic digestion (Xiong & Laird, Nucleic Acids Res., 25:2532-4, 1997). Detection by hybridisation has also been described in the art (Olek et al., WO 99/28498). Additionally, use of the bisulfite technique for methylation detection with respect to individual genes has been described (Grigg & Clark, Bioessays, 16:431-6, 1994; Zeschnigk M, et al., Hum Mol Genet., 6:387-95, 1997; Feil R, et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 22:695-, 1994; Martin V, et al., Gene, 157:261-4, 1995; WO 9746705 and WO 9515373).

The present invention provides for the use of the bisulfite technique, in combination with one or more methylation assays, for determination of the methylation status of CpG dinucleotide sequences within SEQ ID NO:1. Genomic CpG dinucleotides can be methylated or unmethylated (alternatively known as up- and down-methylated respectively). However the methods of the present invention are suitable for the analysis of biological samples of a heterogeneous nature, e.g., a low concentration of tumor cells within a background of blood or stool. Accordingly, when analyzing the methylation status of a CpG position within such a sample the person skilled in the art may use a quantitative assay for determining the level (e.g., percent, fraction, ratio, proportion or degree) of methylation at a particular CpG position as opposed to a methylation state. Accordingly the term methylation status or methylation state should also be taken to mean a value reflecting the degree of methylation at a CpG position. Unless specifically stated, the terms “hypermethylated” or “upmethylated” shall be taken to mean a methylation level above that of a specified cut-off point, wherein said cut-off may be a value representing the average or median methylation level for a given population, or is preferably an optimized cut-off level. The “cut-off” is also referred herein as a “threshold”. In the context of the present invention the terms “methylated”, “hypermethylated” or “upmethylated” shall be taken to include a methylation level above the cut-off be zero (0) % (or equivalents thereof) methylation for all CpG positions within and associated with (e.g., in promoter or regulatory regions) the Septin 9 gene.

According to the present invention, determination of the methylation status of CpG dinucleotide sequences within SEQ ID NO:1 has utility both in the diagnosis and characterization of cellular proliferative disorders. In preferred embodiments, the methylation status of CpG positions within SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3 are determined, SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3 are particularly preferred regions of SEQ ID NO:1 (i.e., SEQ ID NO:1 comprises both SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3). Determination of the methylation status of CpG dinucleotide sequences within SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3 also have utility in the diagnosis and characterization of cellular proliferative disorders.

Methylation Assay Procedures. Various methylation assay procedures are known in the art, and can be used in conjunction with the present invention. These assays allow for determination of the methylation state of one or a plurality of CpG dinucleotides (e.g., CpG islands) within a DNA sequence. Such assays involve, among other techniques, DNA sequencing of bisulfite-treated DNA, PCR (for sequence-specific amplification), Southern blot analysis, and use of methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes.

For example, genomic sequencing has been simplified for analysis of DNA methylation patterns and 5-methylcytosine distribution by using bisulfite treatment (Frommer et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:1827-1831, 1992). Additionally, restriction enzyme digestion of PCR products amplified from bisulfite-converted DNA is used, e.g., the method described by Sadri & Hornsby (Nucl. Acids Res. 24:5058-5059, 1996), or COBRA (Combined Bisulfite Restriction Analysis) (Xiong & Laird, Nucleic Acids Res. 25:2532-2534, 1997).

COBRA. COBRA™ analysis is a quantitative methylation assay useful for determining DNA methylation levels at specific gene loci in small amounts of genomic DNA (Xiong & Laird, Nucleic Acids Res. 25:2532-2534, 1997). Briefly, restriction enzyme digestion is used to reveal methylation-dependent sequence differences in PCR products of sodium bisulfite-treated DNA. Methylation-dependent sequence differences are first introduced into the genomic DNA by standard bisulfite treatment according to the procedure described by Frommer et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:1827-1831, 1992). PCR amplification of the bisulfite converted DNA is then performed using primers specific for the CpG islands of interest, followed by restriction endonuclease digestion, gel electrophoresis, and detection using specific, labeled hybridization probes. Methylation levels in the original DNA sample are represented by the relative amounts of digested and undigested PCR product in a linearly quantitative fashion across a wide spectrum of DNA methylation levels. In addition, this technique can be reliably applied to DNA obtained from microdissected paraffin-embedded tissue samples.

Typical reagents (e.g., as might be found in a typical COBRA™-based kit) for COBRA™ analysis may include, but are not limited to: PCR primers for specific gene (or bisulfite treated DNA sequence or CpG island); restriction enzyme and appropriate buffer; gene-hybridization oligonucleotide; control hybridization oligonucleotide; kinase labeling kit for oligonucleotide probe; and labeled nucleotides. Additionally, bisulfite conversion reagents may include: DNA denaturation buffer; sulfonation buffer; DNA recovery reagents or kits (e.g., precipitation, ultrafiltration, affinity column); desulfonation buffer; and DNA recovery components.

Preferably, assays such as “MethyLight™” (a fluorescence-based real-time PCR technique) (Eads et al., Cancer Res. 59:2302-2306, 1999), Ms-SNuPE™ (Methylation-sensitive Single Nucleotide Primer Extension) reactions (Gonzalgo & Jones, Nucleic Acids Res. 25:2529-2531, 1997), methylation-specific PCR (“MSP”; Herman et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:9821-9826, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,146), and methylated CpG island amplification (“MCA”; Toyota et al., Cancer Res. 59:2307-12, 1999) are used alone or in combination with other of these methods.

The “HeavyMethyl™” assay, technique is a quantitative method for assessing methylation differences based on methylation specific amplification of bisulfite treated DNA. Methylation specific blocking probes (also referred to herein as blockers) covering CpG positions between, or covered by the amplification primers enable methylation-specific selective amplification of a nucleic acid sample.

The term “HeavyMethyl™ MethyLight™” assay, in the embodiment thereof implemented herein, refers to a HeavyMethyl™ MethyLight™ assay, which is a variation of the MethyLight™ assay, wherein the MethyLight™ assay is combined with methylation specific blocking probes covering CpG positions between the amplification primers. The HeavyMethyl™ assay may also be used in combination with methylation specific amplification primers.

Typical reagents (e.g., as might be found in a typical MethyLight™-based kit) for HeavyMethyl™ analysis may include, but are not limited to: PCR primers for specific genes (or bisulfite treated DNA sequence or CpG island); blocking oligonucleotides; optimized PCR buffers and deoxynucleotides; and Taq polymerase.

MSP. MSP (methylation-specific PCR) allows for assessing the methylation status of virtually any group of CpG sites within a CpG island, independent of the use of methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes (Herman et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:9821-9826, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,786,146). Briefly, DNA is modified by sodium bisulfite converting all unmethylated, but not methylated cytosines to uracil, and subsequently amplified with primers specific for methylated versus unmethylated DNA. MSP requires only small quantities of DNA, is sensitive to 0.1% methylated alleles of a given CpG island locus, and can be performed on DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded samples. Typical reagents (e.g., as might be found in a typical MSP-based kit) for MSP analysis may include, but are not limited to: methylated and unmethylated PCR primers for specific gene (or bisulfite treated DNA sequence or CpG island), optimized PCR buffers and deoxynucleotides, and specific probes.

MethyLight™. The MethyLight™ assay is a high-throughput quantitative methylation assay that utilizes fluorescence-based real-time PCR (TaqMan™) technology that requires no further manipulations after the PCR step (Eads et al., Cancer Res. 59:2302-2306, 1999). Briefly, the MethyLight™ process begins with a mixed sample of genomic DNA that is converted, in a sodium bisulfite reaction, to a mixed pool of methylation-dependent sequence differences according to standard procedures (the bisulfite process converts unmethylated cytosine residues to uracil). Fluorescence-based PCR is then performed in a “biased” (with PCR primers that overlap known CpG dinucleotides) reaction. Sequence discrimination can occur both at the level of the amplification process and at the level of the fluorescence detection process.

The MethyLight™ assay may be used as a quantitative test for methylation patterns in the genomic DNA sample, wherein sequence discrimination occurs at the level of probe hybridization. In this quantitative version, the PCR reaction provides for a methylation specific amplification in the presence of a fluorescent probe that overlaps a particular putative methylation site. An unbiased control for the amount of input DNA is provided by a reaction in which neither the primers, nor the probe overlie any CpG dinucleotides. Alternatively, a qualitative test for genomic methylation is achieved by probing of the biased PCR pool with either control oligonucleotides that do not “cover” known methylation sites (a fluorescence-based version of the HeavyMethyl™ and MSP techniques), or with oligonucleotides covering potential methylation sites.

The MethyLight™ process can by used with any suitable probes e.g. “TaqMan®”, Lightcycler® etc. . . . . For example, double-stranded genomic DNA is treated with sodium bisulfite and subjected to one of two sets of PCR reactions using TaqMan® probes; e.g., with MSP primers and/or HeavyMethyl blocker oligonucleotides and TaqMan® probe. The TaqMan® probe is dual-labeled with fluorescent “reporter” and “quencher” molecules, and is designed to be specific for a relatively high GC content region so that it melts out at about 10° C. higher temperature in the PCR cycle than the forward or reverse primers. This allows the TaqMan® probe to remain fully hybridized during the PCR annealing/extension step. As the Taq polymerase enzymatically synthesizes a new strand during PCR, it will eventually reach the annealed TaqMan® probe. The Taq polymerase 5′ to 3′ endonuclease activity will then displace the TaqMan® probe by digesting it to release the fluorescent reporter molecule for quantitative detection of its now unquenched signal using a real-time fluorescent detection system.

Typical reagents (e.g., as might be found in a typical MethyLight™-based kit) for MethyLight™ analysis may include, but are not limited to: PCR primers for specific gene (or bisulfite treated DNA sequence or CpG island); TaqMan® or Lightcycler® probes; optimized PCR buffers and deoxynucleotides; and Taq polymerase.

The QM™ (quantitative methylation) assay is an alternative quantitative test for methylation patterns in genomic DNA samples, wherein sequence discrimination occurs at the level of probe hybridization. In this quantitative version, the PCR reaction provides for unbiased amplification in the presence of a fluorescent probe that overlaps a particular putative methylation site. An unbiased control for the amount of input DNA is provided by a reaction in which neither the primers, nor the probe overlie any CpG dinucleotides. Alternatively, a qualitative test for genomic methylation is achieved by probing of the biased PCR pool with either control oligonucleotides that do not “cover” known methylation sites (a fluorescence-based version of the HeavyMethyl™ and MSP techniques), or with oligonucleotides covering potential methylation sites.

The QM™ process can by used with any suitable probes e.g. “TaqMan®”, Lightcycler® etc. . . . in the amplification process. For example, double-stranded genomic DNA is treated with sodium bisulfite and subjected to unbiased primers and the TaqMan® probe. The TaqMan® probe is dual-labeled with fluorescent “reporter” and “quencher” molecules, and is designed to be specific for a relatively high GC content region so that it melts out at about 10° C. higher temperature in the PCR cycle than the forward or reverse primers. This allows the TaqMan® probe to remain fully hybridized during the PCR annealing/extension step. As the Taq polymerase enzymatically synthesizes a new strand during PCR, it will eventually reach the annealed TaqMan® probe. The Taq polymerase 5′ to 3′ endonuclease activity will then displace the TaqMan® probe by digesting it to release the fluorescent reporter molecule for quantitative detection of its now unquenched signal using a real-time fluorescent detection system. Typical reagents (e.g., as might be found in a typical QM™ -based kit) for QM™ analysis may include, but are not limited to: PCR primers for specific gene (or bisulfite treated DNA sequence or CpG island); TaqMan® or Lightcycler® probes; optimized PCR buffers and deoxynucleotides; and Taq polymerase.

Ms-SNuPE. The Ms-SNuPE™ technique is a quantitative method for assessing methylation differences at specific CpG sites based on bisulfite treatment of DNA, followed by single-nucleotide primer extension (Gonzalgo & Jones, Nucleic Acids Res. 25:2529-2531, 1997). Briefly, genomic DNA is reacted with sodium bisulfite to convert unmethylated cytosine to uracil while leaving 5-methylcytosine unchanged. Amplification of the desired target sequence is then performed using PCR primers specific for bisulfite-converted DNA, and the resulting product is isolated and used as a template for methylation analysis at the CpG site(s) of interest. Small amounts of DNA can be analyzed (e.g., microdissected pathology sections), and it avoids utilization of restriction enzymes for determining the methylation status at CpG sites.

Typical reagents (e.g., as might be found in a typical Ms-SNuPE™-based kit) for Ms-SNuPE™ analysis may include, but are not limited to: PCR primers for specific gene (or bisulfite treated DNA sequence or CpG island); optimized PCR buffers and deoxynucleotides; gel extraction kit; positive control primers; Ms-SNuPE™ primers for specific gene; reaction buffer (for the Ms-SNuPE reaction); and labelled nucleotides. Additionally, bisulfite conversion reagents may include: DNA denaturation buffer; sulfonation buffer; DNA recovery regents or kit (e.g., precipitation, ultrafiltration, affinity column); desulfonation buffer; and DNA recovery components.

The Genomic Sequence According to SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3, and Non-naturally Occurring Treated Variants Thereof According to SEQ ID NOS:4 TO SEQ ID NO:15, were Determined to have Novel and Substantial Utility for the Early Detection, Classification and/or Treatment of Cellular Proliferative Disorders, and in Particular Colorectal and/or Liver Cell Proliferative Disorders.

In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the following steps: i) contacting genomic DNA (preferably isolated from body fluids) obtained from the subject with at least one reagent, or series of reagents that distinguishes between methylated and non-methylated CpG dinucleotides within the gene Septin 9 (including its promoter and regulatory regions); and ii) detecting, or detecting and distinguishing between or among colon or liver cell proliferative disorders afforded with a sensitivity of greater than or equal to 80% and a specificity of greater than or equal to 80%.

Preferably, the sensitivity is from about 75% to about 96%, or from about 80% to about 90%, or from about 80% to about 85%. Preferably, the specificity is from about 75% to about 96%, or from about 80% to about 90%, or from about 80% to about 85%.

Genomic DNA may be isolated by any means standard in the art, including the use of commercially available kits. Briefly, wherein the DNA of interest is encapsulated in by a cellular membrane the biological sample must be disrupted and lysed by enzymatic, chemical or mechanical means. The DNA solution may then be cleared of proteins and other contaminants, e.g., by digestion with proteinase K. The genomic DNA is then recovered from the solution. This may be carried out by means of a variety of methods including salting out, organic extraction or binding of the DNA to a solid phase support. The choice of method will be affected by several factors including time, expense and required quantity of DNA. All clinical sample types comprising neoplastic matter or pre-neoplastic matter are suitable for use in the present method, preferred are cell lines, histological slides, biopsies, paraffin-embedded tissue, body fluids, stool, colonic effluent, urine, blood plasma, blood serum, whole blood, isolated blood cells, cells isolated from the blood and combinations thereof. Body fluids are the preferred source of the DNA; particularly preferred are blood plasma, blood serum, whole blood, isolated blood cells and cells isolated from the blood.

The genomic DNA sample is then treated with at least one reagent, or series of reagents that distinguishes between methylated and non-methylated CpG dinucleotides within at least one target region of the genomic DNA, wherein the target region comprises, or hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence of at least 16 contiguous nucleotides of at least one sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3, respectively, wherein said contiguous nucleotides comprise at least one CpG dinucleotide sequence.

It is particularly preferred that said reagent converts cytosine bases which are unmethylated at the 5′-position to uracil, thymine, or another base which is dissimilar to cytosine in terms of hybridisation behaviour. However in an alternative embodiment, said reagent may be a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme.

Wherein the genomic DNA sample is treated in such a manner that cytosine bases which are unmethylated at the 5′-position are converted to uracil, thymine, or another base which is dissimilar to cytosine in terms of hybridization behavior It is preferred that this treatment is carried out with bisulfite (hydrogen sulfite, disulfite) and subsequent alkaline hydrolysis. Such a treatment results in the conversion of SEQ ID NOS:1 to 3 to SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO: 9, respectively, wherein said CpG dinucleotides are methylated, or SEQ ID NOS:10 to SEQ ID NO:15, wherein said CpG dinucleotides are unmethylated.

The treated DNA is then analyzed in order to determine the methylation state of the target gene sequences (Septin 9 prior to the treatment). It is particularly preferred that the target region comprises, or hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least 16 contiguous nucleotides of Septin 9 or its truncated transcript Q9HC74. It is preferred that the sequence of said gene according to SEQ ID NO:1 is analyzed, it is particularly preferred that the sub-regions thereof according to SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3 are analyzed. The method of analysis may be selected from those known in the art, including those listed herein. Particularly preferred are MethyLight™, MSP and the use of blocking oligonucleotides (HeavyMethyl™) as described herein. It is further preferred that any oligonucleotides used in such analysis (including primers, blocking oligonucleotides and detection probes) should be reverse complementary, identical, or hybridise under stringent or highly stringent conditions to an at least 16-base-pair long segment of the base sequences of one or more of SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15 and sequences complementary thereto.

According to aspects of the present invention, aberrant methylation, more specifically hypermethylation of Septin 9 (including its truncated transcript Q9HC74, as well as promoter and/or regulatory regions) is associated with the presence of neoplastic cellular proliferative disorders, and is particularly prevalent in colorectal and hepatocellular carcinomas. Accordingly, in particular aspects, where a biological sample presents within any degree of methylation, said sample should be determined as neoplastic.

Analysis of one the Septin 9 gene enables for the first time detecting, or detecting and distinguishing between or among colon or liver cell proliferative disorders afforded with a sensitivity of greater than or equal to 80% and a specificity of greater than or equal to 80%. Sensitivity is calculated as: (detected neoplasia/all neoplasia), e.g., (detected colon neoplasia/all colon neoplasia); and specificity is calculated as (non-detected negatives/total negatives).

Preferably, the sensitivity is from about 75% to about 96%, or from about 80% to about 90%, or from about 80% to about 85%. Preferably, the specificity is from about 75% to about 96%, or from about 80% to about 90%, or from about 80% to about 85%.

Colon neoplasia is herein defined as all colon malignancies and adenomas greater than 1 cm, or subsets thereof. Negatives can be defined as healthy individuals.

In one embodiment, the method discloses the use of Septin 9 or its truncated transcript Q9HC74 (or promoter and/or regulatory regions thereof) as a marker for the differentiation, detection and distinguishing of cellular proliferative disorders (in particular neoplastic, colon or liver disorders).

Said method may be implemented by means of any analysis of the expression of an RNA transcribed therefrom or polypeptide or protein translated from said RNA, preferably by means of mRNA expression analysis or polypeptide expression analysis. Accordingly the present invention also provides diagnostic assays and methods, both quantitative and qualitative for detecting the expression of the gene Septin 9 or its truncated transcript Q9HC74 in a subject, and determining therefrom the presence or absence of cancer in said subject.

Aberrant expression of mRNA transcribed from the gene Septin 9 or its truncated transcript Q9HC74 is associated with the presence of cancer in a subject. According to aspects of the present invention, under expression (and/or presence methylation) is associated with the presence of cancer, and vice versa over-expression (and/or absence of methylation) is associated with the absence of cancer. It is particularly preferred that the expression of at least one of the transcript variants as disclosed in SEQ ID NOS:16 to SEQ ID NO:19 is determined.

To detect the presence of mRNA encoding a gene or genomic sequence, a sample is obtained from a patient. The sample may be any suitable sample comprising cellular matter of the tumor. Suitable sample types include cell lines, histological slides, biopsies, paraffin-embedded tissue, body fluids, stool, colonic effluent, urine, blood plasma, blood serum, whole blood, isolated blood cells, cells isolated from the blood and all possible combinations thereof. It is preferred that said sample types are stool or body fluids selected from the group consisting colonic effluent, urine, blood plasma, blood serum, whole blood, isolated blood cells, cells isolated from the blood.

The sample may be treated to extract the RNA contained therein. The resulting nucleic acid from the sample is then analyzed. Many techniques are known in the state of the art for determining absolute and relative levels of gene expression, commonly used techniques suitable for use in the present invention include in situ hybridisation (e.g., FISH), Northern analysis, RNase protection assays (RPA), microarrays and PCR-based techniques, such as quantitative PCR and differential display PCR or any other nucleic acid detection method.

Particularly preferred is the use of the reverse transcription/polymerisation chain reaction technique (RT-PCR). The method of RT-PCR is well known in the art (for example, see Watson and Fleming, supra).

The RT-PCR method can be performed as follows. Total cellular RNA is isolated by, for example, the standard guanidium isothiocyanate method and the total RNA is reverse transcribed. The reverse transcription method involves synthesis of DNA on a template of RNA using a reverse transcriptase enzyme and a 3′ end oligonucleotide dT primer and/or random hexamer primers. The cDNA thus produced is then amplified by means of PCR. (Belyaysky et al, Nucl Acid Res 17:2919-2932, 1989; Krug and Berger, Methods in Enzymology, Academic Press, N.Y., Vol.152, pp. 316-325, 1987 which are incorporated by reference). Further preferred is the “Real-time” variant of RT-PCR, wherein the PCR product is detected by means of hybridisation probes (e.g., TaqMan™, LightCycler™, Molecular Beacons & Scorpion) or SYBR green. The detected signal from the probes or SYBR green is then quantified either by reference to a standard curve or by comparing the Ct values to that of a calibration standard. Analysis of housekeeping genes is often used to normalize the results.

In Northern blot analysis total or poly(A)+mRNA is run on a denaturing agarose gel and detected by hybridisation to a labelled probe in the dried gel itself or on a membrane. The resulting signal is proportional to the amount of target RNA in the RNA population.

Comparing the signals from two or more cell populations or tissues reveals relative differences in gene expression levels. Absolute quantitation can be performed by comparing the signal to a standard curve generated using known amounts of an in vitro transcript corresponding to the target RNA. Analysis of housekeeping genes, genes whose expression levels are expected to remain relatively constant regardless of conditions, is often used to normalize the results, eliminating any apparent differences caused by unequal transfer of RNA to the membrane or unequal loading of RNA on the gel.

The first step in Northern analysis is isolating pure, intact RNA from the cells or tissue of interest. Because Northern blots distinguish RNAs by size, sample integrity influences the degree to which a signal is localized in a single band. Partially degraded RNA samples will result in the signal being smeared or distributed over several bands with an overall loss in sensitivity and possibly an erroneous interpretation of the data. In Northern blot analysis, DNA, RNA and oligonucleotide probes can be used and these probes are preferably labelled (e.g., radioactive labels, mass labels or fluorescent labels). The size of the target RNA, not the probe, will determine the size of the detected band, so methods such as random-primed labelling, which generate probes of variable lengths, are suitable for probe synthesis. The specific activity of the probe will determine the level of sensitivity, so it is preferred that probes with high specific activities, are used.

In an RNase protection assay, the RNA target and an RNA probe of a defined length are hybridised in solution. Following hybridisation, the RNA is digested with RNases specific for single-stranded nucleic acids to remove any unhybridized, single-stranded target RNA and probe. The RNases are inactivated, and the RNA is separated e.g., by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The amount of intact RNA probe is proportional to the amount of target RNA in the RNA population. RPA can be used for relative and absolute quantitation of gene expression and also for mapping RNA structure, such as intron/exon boundaries and transcription start sites. The RNase protection assay is preferable to Northern blot analysis as it generally has a lower limit of detection.

The antisense RNA probes used in RPA are generated by in vitro transcription of a DNA template with a defined endpoint and are typically in the range of 50-600 nucleotides. The use of RNA probes that include additional sequences not homologous to the target RNA allows the protected fragment to be distinguished from the full-length probe. RNA probes are typically used instead of DNA probes due to the ease of generating single-stranded RNA probes and the reproducibility and reliability of RNA:RNA duplex digestion with RNases (Ausubel et al. 2003), particularly preferred are probes with high specific activities.

Particularly preferred is the use of microarrays. The microarray analysis process can be divided into two main parts. First is the immobilization of known gene sequences onto glass slides or other solid support followed by hybridisation of the fluorescently labelled cDNA (comprising the sequences to be interrogated) to the known genes immobilized on the glass slide (or other solid phase). After hybridisation, arrays are scanned using a fluorescent microarray scanner. Analysing the relative fluorescent intensity of different genes provides a measure of the differences in gene expression.

DNA arrays can be generated by immobilizing presynthesized oligonucleotides onto prepared glass slides or other solid surfaces. In this case, representative gene sequences are manufactured and prepared using standard oligonucleotide synthesis and purification methods. These synthesized gene sequences are complementary to the RNA transcript(s) of the genes of interest (in this case Septin 9 or its truncated transcript Q9HC74) and tend to be shorter sequences in the range of 25-70 nucleotides. In a preferred embodiment said oligonucleotides or polynucleotides comprise at least 9,18 or 25 bases of a sequence complementary to or hybridising to at least one sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:16 to SEQ ID NO:19, and sequences complementary thereto. Alternatively, immobilized oligos can be chemically synthesized in situ on the surface of the slide. In situ oligonucleotide synthesis involves the consecutive addition of the appropriate nucleotides to the spots on the microarray; spots not receiving a nucleotide are protected during each stage of the process using physical or virtual masks. Preferably said synthesized nucleic acids are locked nucleic acids.

In expression profiling microarray experiments, the RNA templates used are representative of the transcription profile of the cells or tissues under study. RNA is first isolated from the cell populations or tissues to be compared. Each RNA sample is then used as a template to generate fluorescently labelled cDNA via a reverse transcription reaction. Fluorescent labelling of the cDNA can be accomplished by either direct labelling or indirect labelling methods. During direct labelling, fluorescently modified nucleotides (e.g., Cy®3- or Cy®5-dCTP) are incorporated directly into the cDNA during the reverse transcription. Alternatively, indirect labelling can be achieved by incorporating aminoallyl-modified nucleotides during cDNA synthesis and then conjugating an N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)-ester dye to the aminoallyl-modified cDNA after the reverse transcription reaction is complete. Alternatively, the probe may be unlabelled, but may be detectable by specific binding with a ligand which is labelled, either directly or indirectly. Suitable labels and methods for labelling ligands (and probes) are known in the art, and include, for example, radioactive labels which may be incorporated by known methods (e.g., nick translation or kinasing). Other suitable labels include but are not limited to biotin, fluorescent groups, chemiluminescent groups (e.g., dioxetanes, particularly triggered dioxetanes), enzymes, antibodies, and the like.

To perform differential gene expression analysis, cDNA generated from different RNA samples are labelled with Cy®3. The resulting labelled cDNA is purified to remove unincorporated nucleotides, free dye and residual RNA. Following purification, the labelled cDNA samples are hybridised to the microarray. The stringency of hybridisation is determined by a number of factors during hybridisation and during the washing procedure, including temperature, ionic strength, length of time and concentration of formamide. These factors are outlined in, for example, Sambrook et al. (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed., 1989). The microarray is scanned post-hybridisation using a fluorescent microarray scanner. The fluorescent intensity of each spot indicates the level of expression of the analysed gene; bright spots correspond to strongly expressed genes, while dim spots indicate weak expression.

Once the images are obtained, the raw data must be analysed. First, the background fluorescence must be subtracted from the fluorescence of each spot. The data is then normalized to a control sequence, such as exogenously added nucleic acids (preferably RNA or DNA), or a housekeeping gene panel to account for any non-specific hybridisation, array imperfections or variability in the array set-up, cDNA labelling, hybridisation or washing. Data normalization allows the results of multiple arrays to be compared.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a kit for use in diagnosis of cancer in a subject according to the methods of the present invention, said kit comprising: a means for measuring the level of transcription of the gene Septin 9 (or Q9HC74). In a preferred embodiment the means for measuring the level of transcription comprise oligonucleotides or polynucleotides able to hybridise under stringent or moderately stringent conditions to the transcription products of Septin 9 (including but not limited to Q9HC74). Preferably said oligonucleotides or polynucleotides are able to hybridise under stringent or moderately stringent conditions to at least one of the transcription products of Septin 9 (and/or Q9HC74) as provided in SEQ ID NOS:16 to SEQ ID NO:19. In one embodiment said oligonucleotides or polynucleotides comprise at least 9, 18 or 25 bases of a sequence complementary to or hybridising to at least one sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:16 to SEQ ID NO:19 and sequences complementary thereto.

In a most preferred embodiment, the level of transcription is determined by techniques selected from the group of Northern Blot analysis, reverse transcriptase PCR, real-time PCR, RNAse protection, and microarray. In another embodiment of the invention the kit further comprises means for obtaining a biological sample of the patient. Preferred is a kit, which further comprises a container which is most preferably suitable for containing the means for measuring the level of transcription and the biological sample of the patient, and most preferably further comprises instructions for use and interpretation of the kit results.

In a preferred embodiment, the kit comprises (a) a plurality of oligonucleotides or polynucleotides able to hybridise under stringent or moderately stringent conditions to the transcription products of the gene Septin 9 and/or Q9HC74; (b) a container, preferably suitable for containing the oligonucleotides or polynucleotides and a biological sample of the patient comprising the transcription products wherein the oligonucleotides or polynucleotides can hybridise under stringent or moderately stringent conditions to the transcription products, (c) means to detect the hybridisation of (b); and optionally, (d) instructions for use and interpretation of the kit results. It is further preferred that said oligonucleotides or polynucleotides of (a) comprise in each case at least 9, 18 or 25 bases of a sequence complementary to or hybridising to at least one sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:16 to SEQ ID NO:19 and sequences complementary thereto.

The kit may also contain other components such as hybridisation buffer (where the oligonucleotides are to be used as a probe) packaged in a separate container. Alternatively, where the oligonucleotides are to be used to amplify a target region, the kit may contain, packaged in separate containers, a polymerase and a reaction buffer optimised for primer extension mediated by the polymerase, such as PCR. Preferably said polymerase is a reverse transcriptase. It is further preferred that said kit further contains an Rnase reagent.

The present invention further provides for methods for the detection of the presence of the polypeptide encoded by said gene sequences in a sample obtained from a patient.

Aberrant levels of polypeptide expression of the polypeptides encoded by the gene Septin 9 or its truncated transcript Q9HC74 are associated with the presence of cancer.

According to the present invention, under expression of said polypeptides is associated with the presence of cancer. It is particularly preferred that said polypeptides are according to at least one of the amino acid sequences provided in SEQ ID NOS:20 to SEQ ID NO:23.

Any method known in the art for detecting polypeptides can be used. Such methods include, but are not limited to mass-spectrometry, immunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, immunochemical methods, binder-ligand assays, immunohistochemical techniques, agglutination and complement assays (e.g., see Basic and Clinical Immunology, Sites and Terr, eds., Appleton & Lange, Norwalk, Conn. pp 217-262, 1991 which is incorporated by reference). Preferred are binder-ligand immunoassay methods including reacting antibodies with an epitope or epitopes and competitively displacing a labelled polypeptide or derivative thereof.

Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise the use of antibodies specific to the polypeptide encoded by the Septin 9 gene or its truncated transcript Q9HC74. It is particularly preferred that said polypeptides are according to at least one of the amino acid sequences provided in SEQ ID NOS:20 to SEQ ID NO:23.

Such antibodies are useful for cancer diagnosis. In certain embodiments production of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies can be induced by the use of an epitope encoded by a polypeptide of SEQ ID NOS:20 to SEQ ID NO:23 as an antigen. Such antibodies may in turn be used to detect expressed polypeptides as markers for cancer diagnosis. The levels of such polypeptides present may be quantified by conventional methods. Antibody-polypeptide binding may be detected and quantified by a variety of means known in the art, such as labelling with fluorescent or radioactive ligands. The invention further comprises kits for performing the above-mentioned procedures, wherein such kits contain antibodies specific for the investigated polypeptides.

Numerous competitive and non-competitive polypeptide binding immunoassays are well known in the art. Antibodies employed in such assays may be unlabelled, for example as used in agglutination tests, or labelled for use a wide variety of assay methods. Labels that can be used include radionuclides, enzymes, fluorescers, chemiluminescers, enzyme substrates or co-factors, enzyme inhibitors, particles, dyes and the like. Preferred assays include but are not limited to radioimmunoassay (RIA), enzyme immunoassays, e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescent immunoassays and the like. Polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies or epitopes thereof can be made for use in immunoassays by any of a number of methods known in the art.

In an alternative embodiment of the method, the proteins may be detected by means of western blot analysis. Said analysis is standard in the art, briefly proteins are separated by means of electrophoresis e.g., SDS-PAGE. The separated proteins are then transferred to a suitable membrane (or paper), e.g., nitrocellulose, retaining the spatial separation achieved by electrophoresis. The membrane is then incubated with a blocking agent to bind remaining sticky places on the membrane, commonly used agents include generic protein (e.g., milk protein). An antibody specific to the protein of interest is then added, said antibody being detectably labelled for example by dyes or enzymatic means (e.g., alkaline phosphatase or horseradish peroxidase). The location of the antibody on the membrane is then detected.

In an alternative embodiment of the method the proteins may be detected by means of immunohistochemistry (the use of antibodies to probe specific antigens in a sample). Said analysis is standard in the art, wherein detection of antigens in tissues is known as immunohistochemistry, while detection in cultured cells is generally termed immunocytochemistry. Briefly, the primary antibody to be detected by binding to its specific antigen. The antibody-antigen complex is then bound by a secondary enzyme conjugated antibody. In the presence of the necessary substrate and chromogen the bound enzyme is detected according to colored deposits at the antibody-antigen binding sites. There is a wide range of suitable sample types, antigen-antibody affinity, antibody types, and detection enhancement methods. Thus optimal conditions for immunohistochemical or immunocytochemical detection must be determined by the person skilled in the art for each individual case.

One approach for preparing antibodies to a polypeptide is the selection and preparation of an amino acid sequence of all or part of the polypeptide, chemically synthesising the amino acid sequence and injecting it into an appropriate animal, usually a rabbit or a mouse (Milstein and Kohler Nature 256:495-497, 1975; Gulfre and Milstein, Methods in Enzymology: Immunochemical Techniques 73:1-46, Langone and Banatis eds., Academic Press, 1981 which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety). Methods for preparation of the polypeptides or epitopes thereof include, but are not limited to chemical synthesis, recombinant DNA techniques or isolation from biological samples.

In the final step of the method, the diagnosis of the patient is determined, whereby under-expression (of Septin 9 or Q9HC74 mRNA or polypeptides) is indicative of the presence of cancer. The term under-expression shall be taken to mean expression at a detected level less than a pre-determined cut off which may be selected from the group consisting of the mean, median or an optimised threshold value.

Another aspect of the invention provides a kit for use in diagnosis of cancer in a subject according to the methods of the present invention, comprising: a means for detecting Septin 9 or Q9HC74 polypeptides. Preferably the sequence of said polypeptides is as provided in SEQ ID NOS:20 to SEQ ID NO:23. The means for detecting the polypeptides comprise preferably antibodies, antibody derivatives, or antibody fragments. The polypeptides are most preferably detected by means of Western Blotting utilizing a labelled antibody. In another embodiment of the invention the kit further comprising means for obtaining a biological sample of the patient. Preferred is a kit, which further comprises a container suitable for containing the means for detecting the polypeptides in the biological sample of the patient, and most preferably further comprises instructions for use and interpretation of the kit results. In a preferred embodiment the kit comprises: (a) a means for detecting Septin 9 or Q9HC74 polypeptides; (b) a container suitable for containing the said means and the biological sample of the patient comprising the polypeptides wherein the means can form complexes with the polypeptides; (c) a means to detect the complexes of (b); and optionally (d) instructions for use and interpretation of the kit results. It is preferred that said means for detecting Septin 9 or Q9HC74 polypeptides are specific for at least one of the polypeptide sequences selected from SEQ ID NOS:20 to SEQ ID NO:23.

The kit may also contain other components such as buffers or solutions suitable for blocking, washing or coating, packaged in a separate container.

Particular embodiments of the present invention provide a novel application of the analysis of methylation levels and/or patterns within said sequences that enables a precise detection, characterisation and/or treatment of liver and/or colorectal cell proliferative disorders. Early detection of cancer is directly linked with disease prognosis, and the disclosed method thereby enables the physician and patient to make better and more informed treatment decisions.

Further Improvements

The present invention provides novel uses for the genomic sequence SEQ ID NO:1, and more preferably SEQ ID NO:2 AND SEQ ID NO:3. Additional embodiments provide modified variants of SEQ ID NOS:1 TO SEQ ID NO:3, as well as oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for analysis of cytosine methylation patterns within SEQ ID NOS: 1 TO SEQ ID NO: 3.

An objective of the invention comprises analysis of the methylation state of one or more CpG dinucleotides within SEQ ID NO:1 and sequences complementary thereto, and more preferably SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3 and sequences complementary thereto.

Aspects of the disclosed invention provide treated nucleic acids, derived from genomic SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the treatment is suitable to convert at least one unmethylated cytosine base of the genomic DNA sequence to uracil or another base that is detectably dissimilar to cytosine in terms of hybridization. The genomic sequences in question may comprise one, or more consecutive methylated CpG positions. Said treatment preferably comprises use of a reagent selected from the group consisting of bisulfite, hydrogen sulfite, disulfite, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention provides a non-naturally occurring modified nucleic acid comprising a sequence of at least 16 contiguous nucleotide bases in length of a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:4 TO SEQ ID NO:15. In further preferred embodiments of the invention said nucleic acid is at least 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 or 500 base pairs in length of a segment of the nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15. Particularly preferred is a nucleic acid molecule that is identical or complementary to all or a portion of the sequences SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO: 15 but not SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 or other naturally occurring DNA.

It is preferred that said sequence comprises at least one CpG, TpA or CpA dinucleotide and sequences complementary thereto. The sequences of SEQ ID NOS:4 TO SEQ ID NO: 15 provide non-naturally occurring modified versions of the nucleic acid according to SEQ ID NOS:1 TO SEQ ID NO:3, wherein the modification of each genomic sequence results in the synthesis of a nucleic acid having a sequence that is unique and distinct from said genomic sequence as follows. For each sense strand genomic DNA, e.g., SEQ ID NO:1, four converted versions are disclosed. A first version wherein “C” is converted to “T,” but “CpG” remains “CpG” (i.e., corresponds to case where, for the genomic sequence, all “C” residues of CpG dinucleotide sequences are methylated and are thus not converted); a second version discloses the complement of the disclosed genomic DNA sequence (i.e., antisense strand), wherein “C” is converted to “T,” but “CpG” remains “CpG” (i.e., corresponds to case where, for all “C” residues of CpG dinucleotide sequences are methylated and are thus not converted). The ‘upmethylated’ converted sequences of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 correspond to SEQ ID NOD:4 to SEQ ID NO:9. A third chemically converted version of each genomic sequences is provided, wherein “C” is converted to “T” for all “C” residues, including those of “CpG” dinucleotide sequences (i.e., corresponds to case where, for the genomic sequences, all “C” residues of CpG dinucleotide sequences are unmethylated); a final chemically converted version of each sequence, discloses the complement of the disclosed genomic DNA sequence (i.e. antisense strand), wherein “C” is converted to “T” for all “C” residues, including those of “CpG” dinucleotide sequences (i.e., corresponds to case where, for the complement (antisense strand) of each genomic sequence, all “C” residues of CpG dinucleotide sequences are unmethylated). The ‘downmethylated’ converted sequences of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 correspond to SEQ ID NOS:10 to SEQ ID NO:15.

Significantly, heretofore, the nucleic acid sequences and molecules according SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15 were not implicated in or connected with the detection, classification or treatment of cellular proliferative disorders.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the invention further provides oligonucleotides or oligomers suitable for use in the methods of the invention for detecting the cytosine methylation state within genomic or treated (chemically modified) DNA, according to SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:15. Said oligonucleotide or oligomer nucleic acids provide novel diagnostic means. Said oligonucleotide or oligomer comprising a nucleic acid sequence having a length of at least nine (9) nucleotides which is identical to, hybridizes, under moderately stringent or stringent conditions (as defined herein above), to a treated nucleic acid sequence according to SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15 and/or sequences complementary thereto, or to a genomic sequence according to SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO 3 and/or sequences complementary thereto.

Thus, the present invention includes nucleic acid molecules (e.g., oligonucleotides and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) molecules (PNA-oligomers)) that hybridize under moderately stringent and/or stringent hybridization conditions to all or a portion of the sequences SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:15 or to the complements thereof. Particularly preferred is a nucleic acid molecule that hybridizes under moderately stringent and/or stringent hybridization conditions to all or a portion of the sequences SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15 but not SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 or other human genomic DNA.

The identical or hybridizing portion of the hybridizing nucleic acids is typically at least 9, 16, 20, 25, 30 or 35 nucleotides in length. However, longer molecules have inventive utility, and are thus within the scope of the present invention.

Preferably, the hybridizing portion of the inventive hybridizing nucleic acids is at least 95%, or at least 98%, or 100% identical to the sequence, or to a portion thereof of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:15, or to the complements thereof.

Hybridizing nucleic acids of the type described herein can be used, for example, as a primer (e.g., a PCR primer), or a diagnostic and/or prognostic probe or primer. Preferably, hybridization of the oligonucleotide probe to a nucleic acid sample is performed under stringent conditions and the probe is 100% identical to the target sequence. Nucleic acid duplex or hybrid stability is expressed as the melting temperature or Tm, which is the temperature at which a probe dissociates from a target DNA. This melting temperature is used to define the required stringency conditions.

For target sequences that are related and substantially identical to the corresponding sequence of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 (such as allelic variants and SNPs), rather than identical, it is useful to first establish the lowest temperature at which only homologous hybridization occurs with a particular concentration of salt (e.g., SSC or SSPE). Then, assuming that 1% mismatching results in a 1° C. decrease in the Tm, the temperature of the final wash in the hybridization reaction is reduced accordingly (for example, if sequences having >95% identity with the probe are sought, the final wash temperature is decreased by 5° C.). In practice, the change in Tm can be between 0.5° C. and 1.5° C. per 1% mismatch.

Examples of inventive oligonucleotides of length X (in nucleotides), as indicated by polynucleotide positions with reference to, e.g., SEQ ID NO:1, include those corresponding to sets (sense and antisense sets) of consecutively overlapping oligonucleotides of length X, where the oligonucleotides within each consecutively overlapping set (corresponding to a given X value) are defined as the finite set of Z oligonucleotides from nucleotide positions:

n to (n+(X−1));

where n=1, 2, 3, . . . (Y−(X−1));

where Y equals the length (nucleotides or base pairs) of SEQ ID NO:1 (219909);

where X equals the common length (in nucleotides) of each oligonucleotide in the set (e.g., X=20 for a set of consecutively overlapping 20-mers); and

where the number (Z) of consecutively overlapping oligomers of length X for a given SEQ ID NO of length Y is equal to Y−(X−1). For example Z=219909-19=219890 of either sense or antisense sets of SEQ ID NO: 1, where X=20.

Preferably, the set is limited to those oligomers that comprise at least one CpG, TpG or CpA dinucleotide.

Examples of inventive 20-mer oligonucleotides include the following set of 219890 oligomers (and the antisense set complementary thereto), indicated by polynucleotide positions with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1:

1-20, 2-21, 3-22, 4-23, 5-24, . . . and 219890-219909.

Preferably, the set is limited to those oligomers that comprise at least one CpG, TpG or CpA dinucleotide.

Likewise, examples of inventive 25-mer oligonucleotides include the following set of 219885 oligomers (and the antisense set complementary thereto), indicated by polynucleotide positions with reference to SEQ ID NO:1:

1-25, 2-26, 3-27, 4-28, 5-29, . . . and 219885-219909.

Preferably, the set is limited to those oligomers that comprise at least one CpG, TpG or CpA dinucleotide.

The present invention encompasses, for each of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:15 (sense and antisense), multiple consecutively overlapping sets of oligonucleotides or modified oligonucleotides of length X, where, e.g., X=9, 10, 17, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 30 or 35 nucleotides.

The oligonucleotides or oligomers according to the present invention constitute effective tools useful to ascertain genetic and epigenetic parameters of the genomic sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO:1. Preferred sets of such oligonucleotides or modified oligonucleotides of length X are those consecutively overlapping sets of oligomers corresponding to SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:15 (and to the complements thereof). Preferably, said oligomers comprise at least one CpG, TpG or CpA dinucleotide.

Particularly preferred oligonucleotides or oligomers according to the present invention are those in which the cytosine of the CpG dinucleotide (or of the corresponding converted TpG or CpA dinculeotide) sequences is within the middle third of the oligonucleotide; that is, where the oligonucleotide is, for example, 13 bases in length, the CpG, TpG or CpA dinucleotide is positioned within the fifth to ninth nucleotide from the 5′-end.

The oligonucleotides of the invention can also be modified by chemically linking the oligonucleotide to one or more moieties or conjugates to enhance the activity, stability or detection of the oligonucleotide. Such moieties or conjugates include chromophores, fluorophors, lipids such as cholesterol, cholic acid, thioether, aliphatic chains, phospholipids, polyamines, polyethylene glycol (PEG), palmityl moieties, and others as disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,514,758, 5,565,552, 5,567,810, 5,574,142, 5,585,481, 5,587,371, 5,597,696 and 5,958,773. The probes may also exist in the form of a PNA (peptide nucleic acid) which has particularly preferred pairing properties. Thus, the oligonucleotide may include other appended groups such as peptides, and may include hybridization-triggered cleavage agents (Krol et al., BioTechniques 6:958-976, 1988) or intercalating agents (Zon, Pharm. Res. 5:539-549, 1988). To this end, the oligonucleotide may be conjugated to another molecule, e.g., a chromophore, fluorophor, peptide, hybridization-triggered cross-linking agent, transport agent, hybridization-triggered cleavage agent, etc.

The oligonucleotide may also comprise at least one art-recognized modified sugar and/or base moiety, or may comprise a modified backbone or non-natural internucleoside linkage.

The oligonucleotides or oligomers according to particular embodiments of the present invention are typically used in ‘sets,’ which contain at least one oligomer for analysis of each of the CpG dinucleotides of a genomic sequence selected from the group consisting SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 and sequences complementary thereto, or to the corresponding CpG, TpG or CpA dinucleotide within a sequence of the treated nucleic acids according to SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15 and sequences complementary thereto. However, it is anticipated that for economic or other factors it may be preferable to analyse a limited selection of the CpG dinucleotides within said sequences, and the content of the set of oligonucleotides is altered accordingly.

Therefore, in particular embodiments, the present invention provides a set of at least two (2) (oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers) useful for detecting the cytosine methylation state in treated genomic DNA (SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15), or in genomic DNA (SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 and sequences complementary thereto). These probes enable diagnosis, classification and/or therapy of genetic and epigenetic parameters of liver and/or colorectal cell proliferative disorders. The set of oligomers may also be used for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in treated genomic DNA (SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15), or in genomic DNA (SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 and sequences complementary thereto).

In preferred embodiments, at least one, and more preferably all members of a set of oligonucleotides is bound to a solid phase.

In further embodiments, the present invention provides a set of at least two (2) oligonucleotides that are used as ‘primer’ oligonucleotides for amplifying DNA sequences of one of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:15 and sequences complementary thereto, or segments thereof.

It is anticipated that the oligonucleotides may constitute all or part of an “array” or “DNA chip” (i.e., an arrangement of different oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers bound to a solid phase). Such an array of different oligonucleotide- and/or PNA-oligomer sequences can be characterized, for example, in that it is arranged on the solid phase in the form of a rectangular or hexagonal lattice. The solid-phase surface may be composed of silicon, glass, polystyrene, aluminium, steel, iron, copper, nickel, silver, or gold. Nitrocellulose as well as plastics such as nylon, which can exist in the form of pellets or also as resin matrices, may also be used. An overview of the Prior Art in oligomer array manufacturing can be gathered from a special edition of Nature Genetics (Nature Genetics Supplement, Volume 21, January 1999, and from the literature cited therein). Fluorescently labelled probes are often used for the scanning of immobilized DNA arrays. The simple attachment of Cy3 and Cy5 dyes to the 5′-OH of the specific probe are particularly suitable for fluorescence labels. The detection of the fluorescence of the hybridised probes may be carried out, for example, via a confocal microscope. Cy3 and Cy5 dyes, besides many others, are commercially available.

It is also anticipated that the oligonucleotides, or particular sequences thereof, may constitute all or part of an “virtual array” wherein the oligonucleotides, or particular sequences thereof, are used, for example, as ‘specifiers’ as part of, or in combination with a diverse population of unique labeled probes to analyze a complex mixture of analytes. Such a method, for example is described in US 2003/0013091 (U.S. Ser. No. 09/898,743, published 16 Jan. 2003). In such methods, enough labels are generated so that each nucleic acid in the complex mixture (i.e., each analyte) can be uniquely bound by a unique label and thus detected (each label is directly counted, resulting in a digital read-out of each molecular species in the mixture).

It is particularly preferred that the oligomers according to the invention are utilized for at least one of: detection of; detection and differentiation between or among subclasses of; diagnosis of; prognosis of; treatment of; monitoring of; and treatment and monitoring of liver and/or colorectal cell proliferative disorders. This is enabled by use of said sets for the detection or detection and differentiation of one or more of the following classes of tissues: colorectal carcinoma, colon adenoma, inflammatory colon tissue, grade 2 dysplasia colon adenomas less than 1 cm, grade 3 dysplasia colon adenomas larger than 1 cm, normal colon tissue, non-colon healthy tissue and non-colon cancer tissue.

Particularly preferred are those sets of oligomers according to the Examples.

In the most preferred embodiment of the method, the presence or absence of a cellular proliferative disorder, most preferably a neoplastic cellular proliferation or differentiation thereof from benign disorders is determined. This is achieved by analysis of the methylation status of at least one target sequence comprising at least one CpG position said sequence comprising, or hybridizing under stringent conditions to at least 16 contiguous nucleotides of a sequence selected from the group consisting SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 and complements thereof. The present invention further provides a method for ascertaining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of the genomic sequence according to SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 within a subject by analysing cytosine methylation and single nucleotide polymorphisms. Said method comprising contacting a nucleic acid comprising SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 in a biological sample obtained from said subject with at least one reagent or a series of reagents, wherein said reagent or series of reagents, distinguishes between methylated and non-methylated CpG dinucleotides within the target nucleic acid.

In a preferred embodiment, said method comprises the following steps: In the first step, a sample of the tissue to be analysed is obtained. The source may be any suitable source, such as cell lines, histological slides, biopsies, paraffin-embedded tissue, body fluids, stool, colonic effluent, urine, blood plasma, blood serum, whole blood, isolated blood cells, cells isolated from the blood and all possible combinations thereof. It is preferred that said sources of DNA are stool or body fluids selected from the group consisting colonic effluent, urine, blood plasma, blood serum, whole blood, isolated blood cells, cells isolated from the blood.

The genomic DNA is then isolated from the sample. Genomic DNA may be isolated by any means standard in the art, including the use of commercially available kits. Briefly, wherein the DNA of interest is encapsulated in by a cellular membrane the biological sample must be disrupted and lysed by enzymatic, chemical or mechanical means. The DNA solution may then be cleared of proteins and other contaminants e.g. by digestion with proteinase K. The genomic DNA is then recovered from the solution. This may be carried out by means of a variety of methods including salting out, organic extraction or binding of the DNA to a solid phase support. The choice of method will be affected by several factors including time, expense and required quantity of DNA.

Wherein the sample DNA is not enclosed in a membrane (e.g., circulating DNA from a blood sample) methods standard in the art for the isolation and/or purification of DNA may be employed. Such methods include the use of a protein degenerating reagent e.g. chaotropic salt e.g. guanidine hydrochloride or urea; or a detergent e.g. sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), cyanogen bromide. Alternative methods include but are not limited to ethanol precipitation or propanol precipitation, vacuum concentration amongst others by means of a centrifuge. The person skilled in the art may also make use of devices such as filter devices e.g., ultrafiltration, silica surfaces or membranes, magnetic particles, polystyrol particles, polystyrol surfaces, positively charged surfaces, and positively charged membranse, charged membranes, charged surfaces, charged switch membranes, charged switched surfaces.

Once the nucleic acids have been extracted, the genomic double stranded DNA is used in the analysis.

In the second step of the method, the genomic DNA sample is treated in such a manner that cytosine bases which are unmethylated at the 5′-position are converted to uracil, thymine, or another base which is dissimilar to cytosine in terms of hybridisation behaviour. This will be understood as ‘pre-treatment’ or ‘treatment’ herein.

This is preferably achieved by means of treatment with a bisulfite reagent. The term “bisulfite reagent” refers to a reagent comprising bisulfite, disulfite, hydrogen sulfite or combinations thereof, useful as disclosed herein to distinguish between methylated and unmethylated CpG dinucleotide sequences. Methods of said treatment are known in the art (e.g. PCT/EP2004/011715, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety). It is preferred that the bisulfite treatment is conducted in the presence of denaturing solvents such as but not limited to n-alkylenglycol, particularly diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DME), or in the presence of dioxane or dioxane derivatives. In a preferred embodiment the denaturing solvents are used in concentrations between 1% and 35% (v/v). It is also preferred that the bisulfite reaction is carried out in the presence of scavengers such as but not limited to chromane derivatives, e.g., 6-hydroxy-2, 5,7,8,-tetramethylchromane 2-carboxylic acid or trihydroxybenzoe acid and derivates thereof, e.g., Gallic acid (see: PCT/EP2004/011715 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety). The bisulfite conversion is preferably carried out at a reaction temperature between 30° C. and 70° C., whereby the temperature is increased to over 85° C. for short periods of times during the reaction (see: PCT/EP2004/011715 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety). The bisulfite treated DNA is preferably purified priori to the quantification. This may be conducted by any means known in the art, such as but not limited to ultrafiltration, preferably carried out by means of Microcon™ columns (manufactured by Millipore™). The purification is carried out according to a modified manufacturer's protocol (see: PCT/EP2004/011715 which is incorporated by reference in its entirety).

In the third step of the method, fragments of the treated DNA are amplified, using sets of primer oligonucleotides according to the present invention, and an amplification enzyme. The amplification of several DNA segments can be carried out simultaneously in one and the same reaction vessel. Typically, the amplification is carried out using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Preferably said amplificates are 100 to 2,000 base pairs in length. The set of primer oligonucleotides includes at least two oligonucleotides whose sequences are each reverse complementary, identical, or hybridise under stringent or highly stringent conditions to an at least 16-base-pair long segment of the base sequences of one of SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15 and sequences complementary thereto.

In an alternate embodiment of the method, the methylation status of pre-selected CpG positions within the nucleic acid sequences according to SEQ ID NO: 1, and more preferably SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3 may be detected by use of methylation-specific primer oligonucleotides. This technique (MSP) has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,265,171 to Herman. The use of methylation status specific primers for the amplification of bisulfite treated DNA allows the differentiation between methylated and unmethylated nucleic acids. MSP primers pairs contain at least one primer which hybridises to a bisulfite treated CpG dinucleotide. Therefore, the sequence of said primers comprises at least one CpG dinucleotide. MSP primers specific for non-methylated DNA contain a “T” at the position of the C position in the CpG. Preferably, therefore, the base sequence of said primers is required to comprise a sequence having a length of at least 9 nucleotides which hybridises to a treated nucleic acid sequence according to one of SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15 and sequences complementary thereto, wherein the base sequence of said oligomers comprises at least one CpG dinucleotide. A further preferred embodiment of the method comprises the use of blocker oligonucleotides (the HeavyMethyl™ assay). The use of such blocker oligonucleotides has been described by Yu et al., BioTechniques 23:714-720, 1997. Blocking probe oligonucleotides are hybridised to the bisulfite treated nucleic acid concurrently with the PCR primers. PCR amplification of the nucleic acid is terminated at the 5′ position of the blocking probe, such that amplification of a nucleic acid is suppressed where the complementary sequence to the blocking probe is present. The probes may be designed to hybridize to the bisulfite treated nucleic acid in a methylation status specific manner. For example, for detection of methylated nucleic acids within a population of unmethylated nucleic acids, suppression of the amplification of nucleic acids which are unmethylated at the position in question would be carried out by the use of blocking probes comprising a ‘CpA’ or ‘TpA’ at the position in question, as opposed to a ‘CpG’ if the suppression of amplification of methylated nucleic acids is desired.

For PCR methods using blocker oligonucleotides, efficient disruption of polymerase-mediated amplification requires that blocker oligonucleotides not be elongated by the polymerase. Preferably, this is achieved through the use of blockers that are 3′-deoxyoligonucleotides, or oligonucleotides derivitized at the 3′ position with other than a “free” hydroxyl group. For example, 3′-O-acetyl oligonucleotides are representative of a preferred class of blocker molecule.

Additionally, polymerase-mediated decomposition of the blocker oligonucleotides should be precluded. Preferably, such preclusion comprises either use of a polymerase lacking 5′-3′ exonuclease activity, or use of modified blocker oligonucleotides having, for example, thioate bridges at the 5′-terminii thereof that render the blocker molecule nuclease-resistant. Particular applications may not require such 5′ modifications of the blocker. For example, if the blocker- and primer-binding sites overlap, thereby precluding binding of the primer (e.g., with excess blocker), degradation of the blocker oligonucleotide will be substantially precluded. This is because the polymerase will not extend the primer toward, and through (in the 5′-3′ direction) the blocker—a process that normally results in degradation of the hybridized blocker oligonucleotide.

A particularly preferred blocker/PCR embodiment, for purposes of the present invention and as implemented herein, comprises the use of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomers as blocking oligonucleotides. Such PNA blocker oligomers are ideally suited, because they are neither decomposed nor extended by the polymerase.

Preferably, therefore, the base sequence of said blocking oligonucleotides is required to comprise a sequence having a length of at least 9 nucleotides which hybridises to a treated nucleic acid sequence according to one of SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15 and sequences complementary thereto, wherein the base sequence of said oligonucleotides comprises at least one CpG, TpG or CpA dinucleotide.

The fragments obtained by means of the amplification can carry a directly or indirectly detectable label. Preferred are labels in the form of fluorescence labels, radionuclides, or detachable molecule fragments having a typical mass which can be detected in a mass spectrometer. Where said labels are mass labels, it is preferred that the labelled amplificates have a single positive or negative net charge, allowing for better delectability in the mass spectrometer. The detection may be carried out and visualized by means of, e.g., matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI) or using electron spray mass spectrometry (ESI).

Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) is a very efficient development for the analysis of biomolecules (Karas & Hillenkamp, Anal Chem., 60:2299-301, 1988). An analyte is embedded in a light-absorbing matrix. The matrix is evaporated by a short laser pulse thus transporting the analyte molecule into the vapor phase in an unfragmented manner. The analyte is ionized by collisions with matrix molecules. An applied voltage accelerates the ions into a field-free flight tube. Due to their different masses, the ions are accelerated at different rates. Smaller ions reach the detector sooner than bigger ones. MALDI-TOF spectrometry is well suited to the analysis of peptides and proteins. The analysis of nucleic acids is somewhat more difficult (Gut & Beck, Current Innovations and Future Trends, 1:147-57, 1995). The sensitivity with respect to nucleic acid analysis is approximately 100-times less than for peptides, and decreases disproportionally with increasing fragment size. Moreover, for nucleic acids having a multiply negatively charged backbone, the ionization process via the matrix is considerably less efficient. In MALDI-TOF spectrometry, the selection of the matrix plays an eminently important role. For desorption of peptides, several very efficient matrixes have been found which produce a very fine crystallisation. There are now several responsive matrixes for DNA, however, the difference in sensitivity between peptides and nucleic acids has not been reduced. This difference in sensitivity can be reduced, however, by chemically modifying the DNA in such a manner that it becomes more similar to a peptide. For example, phosphorothioate nucleic acids, in which the usual phosphates of the backbone are substituted with thiophosphates, can be converted into a charge-neutral DNA using simple alkylation chemistry (Gut & Beck, Nucleic Acids Res. 23: 1367-73, 1995). The coupling of a charge tag to this modified DNA results in an increase in MALDI-TOF sensitivity to the same level as that found for peptides. A further advantage of charge tagging is the increased stability of the analysis against impurities, which makes the detection of unmodified substrates considerably more difficult.

In the fourth step of the method, the amplificates obtained during the third step of the method are analysed in order to ascertain the methylation status of the CpG dinucleotides prior to the treatment.

In embodiments where the amplificates were obtained by means of MSP amplification, the presence or absence of an amplificate is in itself indicative of the methylation state of the CpG positions covered by the primer, according to the base sequences of said primer.

Amplificates obtained by means of both standard and methylation specific PCR may be further analysed by means of based-based methods such as, but not limited to, array technology and probe based technologies as well as by means of techniques such as sequencing and template directed extension.

In one embodiment of the method, the amplificates synthesised in step three are subsequently hybridized to an array or a set of oligonucleotides and/or PNA probes. In this context, the hybridization takes place in the following manner: the set of probes used during the hybridization is preferably composed of at least 2 oligonucleotides or PNA-oligomers; in the process, the amplificates serve as probes which hybridize to oligonucleotides previously bonded to a solid phase; the non-hybridized fragments are subsequently removed; said oligonucleotides contain at least one base sequence having a length of at least 9 nucleotides which is reverse complementary or identical to a segment of the base sequences specified in the present Sequence Listing; and the segment comprises at least one CpG, TpG or CpA dinucleotide. The hybridizing portion of the hybridizing nucleic acids is typically at least 9, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 35 nucleotides in length. However, longer molecules have inventive utility, and are thus within the scope of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, said dinucleotide is present in the central third of the oligomer. For example, wherein the oligomer comprises one CpG dinucleotide, said dinucleotide is preferably the fifth to ninth nucleotide from the 5′-end of a 13-mer. One oligonucleotide exists for the analysis of each CpG dinucleotide within a sequence selected from the group consisting SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3, and the equivalent positions within SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15. Said oligonucleotides may also be present in the form of peptide nucleic acids. The non-hybridised amplificates are then removed. The hybridised amplificates are then detected. In this context, it is preferred that labels attached to the amplificates are identifiable at each position of the solid phase at which an oligonucleotide sequence is located.

In yet a further embodiment of the method, the genomic methylation status of the CpG positions may be ascertained by means of oligonucleotide probes (as detailed above) that are hybridised to the bisulfite treated DNA concurrently with the PCR amplification primers (wherein said primers may either be methylation specific or standard).

A particularly preferred embodiment of this method is the use of fluorescence-based Real Time Quantitative PCR (Heid et al., Genome Res. 6:986-994, 1996; also see U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,393) employing a dual-labelled fluorescent oligonucleotide probe (TaqMan™ PCR, using an ABI Prism 7700 Sequence Detection System, Perkin Elmer Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.). The TaqMan™ PCR reaction employs the use of a non-extendible interrogating oligonucleotide, called a TaqMan™ probe, which, in preferred embodiments, is designed to hybridise to a CpG-rich sequence located between the forward and reverse amplification primers. The TaqMan™ probe further comprises a fluorescent “reporter moiety” and a “quencher moiety” covalently bound to linker moieties (e.g., phosphoramidites) attached to the nucleotides of the TaqMan™ oligonucleotide. For analysis of methylation within nucleic acids subsequent to bisulfite treatment, it is required that the probe be methylation specific, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,393, (hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) also known as the MethyLight™™ assay. Variations on the TaqMan™ detection methodology that are also suitable for use with the described invention include the use of dual-probe technology (Lightcycler™) or fluorescent amplification primers (Sunrise™ technology). Both these techniques may be adapted in a manner suitable for use with bisulfite treated DNA, and moreover for methylation analysis within CpG dinucleotides.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the fourth step of the method comprises the use of template-directed oligonucleotide extension, such as MS-SNuPE as described by Gonzalgo & Jones, Nucleic Acids Res. 25:2529-2531, 1997.

In yet a further embodiment of the method, the fourth step of the method comprises sequencing and subsequent sequence analysis of the amplificate generated in the third step of the method (Sanger F., et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 74:5463-5467, 1977).

Best Mode

In the most preferred embodiment of the method the genomic nucleic acids are isolated and treated according to the first three steps of the method outlined above, namely:

a) obtaining, from a subject, a biological sample having subject genomic DNA;

b) extracting or otherwise isolating the genomic DNA;

c) treating the genomic DNA of b), or a fragment thereof, with one or more reagents to convert cytosine bases that are unmethylated in the 5-position thereof to uracil or to another base that is detectably dissimilar to cytosine in terms of hybridization properties; and wherein

d) amplifying subsequent to treatment in c) is carried out in a methylation specific manner, namely by use of methylation specific primers or blocking oligonucleotides, and further wherein

e) detecting of the amplificates is carried out by means of a real-time detection probe, as described above.

Preferably, where the subsequent amplification of d) is carried out by means of methylation specific primers, as described above, said methylation specific primers comprise a sequence having a length of at least 9 nucleotides which hybridises to a treated nucleic acid sequence according to one of SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15 and sequences complementary thereto, wherein the base sequence of said oligomers comprise at least one CpG dinucleotide.

Step e) of the method, namely the detection of the specific amplificates indicative of the methylation status of one or more CpG positions according to SEQ ID NO: 1 is carried out by means of real-time detection methods as described above.

Additional embodiments of the invention provide a method for the analysis of the methylation status of genomic DNA according to the invention (SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3, and complements thereof) without the need for bisulfite conversion. Methods are known in the art wherein a methylation sensitive restriction enzyme reagent, or a series of restriction enzyme reagents comprising methylation sensitive restriction enzyme reagents that distinguishes between methylated and non-methylated CpG dinucleotides within a target region are utilized in determining methylation, for example but not limited to DMH.

In the first step of such additional embodiments, the genomic DNA sample is isolated from tissue or cellular sources. Genomic DNA may be isolated by any means standard in the art, including the use of commercially available kits. Briefly, wherein the DNA of interest is encapsulated in by a cellular membrane the biological sample must be disrupted and lysed by enzymatic, chemical or mechanical means. The DNA solution may then be cleared of proteins and other contaminants, e.g., by digestion with proteinase K. The genomic DNA is then recovered from the solution. This may be carried out by means of a variety of methods including salting out, organic extraction or binding of the DNA to a solid phase support. The choice of method will be affected by several factors including time, expense and required quantity of DNA. All clinical sample types comprising neoplastic or potentially neoplastic matter are suitable for us e in the present method, preferred are cell lines, histological slides, biopsies, paraffin-embedded tissue, body fluids, stool, colonic effluent, urine, blood plasma, blood serum, whole blood, isolated blood cells, cells isolated from the blood, and combinations thereof. Body fluids are the preferred source of the DNA; particularly preferred are blood plasma, blood serum, whole blood, isolated blood cells and cells isolated from the blood.

Once the nucleic acids have been extracted, the genomic double-stranded DNA is used in the analysis.

In a preferred embodiment, the DNA may be cleaved prior to treatment with methylation sensitive restriction enzymes. Such methods are known in the art and may include both physical and enzymatic means. Particularly preferred is the use of one or a plurality of restriction enzymes which are not methylation sensitive, and whose recognition sites are AT rich and do not comprise CG dinucleotides. The use of such enzymes enables the conservation of CpG islands and CpG rich regions in the fragmented DNA. The non-methylation-specific restriction enzymes are preferably selected from the group consisting of MseI, BfaI, Csp6I, Tru1I, Tvu1I, Tru9I, Tvu9I, MaeI and XspI. Particularly preferred is the use of two or three such enzymes. Particularly preferred is the use of a combination of MseI, BfaI and Csp6I.

The fragmented DNA may then be ligated to adaptor oligonucleotides in order to facilitate subsequent enzymatic amplification. The ligation of oligonucleotides to blunt and sticky ended DNA fragments is known in the art, and is carried out by means of dephosphorylation of the ends (e.g. using calf or shrimp alkaline phosphatase) and subsequent ligation using ligase enzymes (e.g. T4 DNA ligase) in the presence of dATPs. The adaptor oligonucleotides are typically at least 18 base pairs in length.

In the third step, the DNA (or fragments thereof) is then digested with one or more methylation sensitive restriction enzymes. The digestion is carried out such that hydrolysis of the DNA at the restriction site is informative of the methylation status of a specific CpG dinucleotide of the Septin 9 gene.

Preferably, the methylation-specific restriction enzyme is selected from the group consisting of Bsi E1, Hga I HinPI, Hpy99I, Ave I, Bce AI, Bsa HI, BisI, BstUI, BshI236I, AccII, BstFNI, McrBC, GlaI, MvnI, HpaII (HapII), HhaI, AciI, SmaI, HinP1I, HpyCH4IV, EagI and mixtures of two or more of the above enzymes. Preferred is a mixture containing the restriction enzymes BstUI, HpaII, HpyCH4IV and HinP1I.

In the fourth step, which is optional but a preferred embodiment, the restriction fragments are amplified. This is preferably carried out using a polymerase chain reaction, and said amplificates may carry suitable detectable labels as discussed above, namely fluorophore labels, radionuclides and mass labels. Particularly preferred is amplification by means of an amplification enzyme and at least two primers comprising, in each case a contiguous sequence at least 16 nucleotides in length that is complementary to, or hybridizes under moderately stringent or stringent conditions to a sequence selected from the group consisting SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3, and complements thereof. Preferably said contiguous sequence is at least 16, 20 or 25 nucleotides in length. In an alternative embodiment said primers may be complementary to any adaptors linked to the fragments.

In the fifth step the amplificates are detected. The detection may be by any means standard in the art, for example, but not limited to, gel electrophoresis analysis, hybridisation analysis, incorporation of detectable tags within the PCR products, DNA array analysis, MALDI or ESI analysis. Preferably said detection is carried out by hybridisation to at least one nucleic acid or peptide nucleic acid comprising in each case a contiguous sequence at least 16 nucleotides in length that is complementary to, or hybridizes under moderately stringent or stringent conditions to a sequence selected from the group consisting SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3, and complements thereof. Preferably said contiguous sequence is at least 16, 20 or 25 nucleotides in length.

Subsequent to the determination of the methylation state or level of the genomic nucleic acids the presence, absence or class of cellular proliferative disorder is deduced based upon the methylation state or level of at least one CpG dinucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, or an average, or a value reflecting an average methylation state of a plurality of CpG dinucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NO:1 wherein methylation is associated with a neoplastic or pre-neoplastic cellular proliferative disorder. Wherein said methylation is determined by quantitative means the cut-off point for determining said the presence of methylation is preferably zero (i.e., wherein a sample displays any degree of methylation it is determined as having a methylated status at the analysed CpG position). Nonetheless, it is foreseen that the person skilled in the art may wish to adjust said cut-off value in order to provide an assay of a particularly preferred sensitivity or specificity. Accordingly said cut-off value may be increased (thus increasing the specificity), said cut off value may be within a range selected form the group consisting of 0%-5%, 5%-10%, 10%-15%, 15%-20%, 20%-30% and 30%-50%. Particularly preferred are the cut-offs 10%, 15%, 25%, and 30%.

In an alternative embodiment of the method wherein a panel of genes comprising the Septin 9 or its truncated transcript Q9HC74 and at least one gene selected from the group consisting FOXL2, NGFR, TMEFF2, SIX6, SARM1, VTN and ZDHHC22 subsequent to the determination of the methylation state of the genomic nucleic acids the presence, absence or subclass of cellular proliferative disorders, in particular liver and/or colorectal cell proliferative disorder is deduced based upon the methylation state of at least one CpG dinucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NOS:1 to 3 and at least one CpG dinucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NOS:24 to SEQ ID NO:29 , or an average, or a value reflecting an average methylation state of a plurality of CpG dinucleotide sequences thereof wherein hypermethylation is associated with cancers, in particular liver and/or colorectal cancer.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Assays for Cellular Proliferative Disorders

The present invention enables diagnosis of events which are disadvantageous to patients or individuals in which important genetic and/or epigenetic parameters within Septin 9 or its truncated transcript Q9HC74 may be used as markers. Said parameters obtained by means of the present invention may be compared to another set of genetic and/or epigenetic parameters, the differences serving as the basis for a diagnosis and/or prognosis of events which are disadvantageous to patients or individuals.

More specifically the present invention enables the screening of at-risk populations for the early detection of cancers, most preferably liver cancer and/or colorectal carcinomas. Furthermore, the present invention enables the differentiation of neoplastic (e.g., malignant) from benign (i.e., non-cancerous) cellular proliferative disorders. For example, it enables the differentiation of a colorectal carcinoma from small colon adenomas or polyps. Neoplastic cellular proliferative disorders present decreased methylation (i.e., decreased expression) within the Septin 9 gene, as opposed to said benign disorders which do not.

Specifically, the present invention provides for diagnostic and classification cancer assays based on measurement of differential expression (preferably methylation) of one or more CpG dinucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NO:1, or more preferably sub-regions thereof according to SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3 that comprise such a CpG dinucleotide sequence. Typically, such assays involve obtaining a sample from a subject, performing an assay to measure the expression of the Septin 9 gene, preferably by determining the methylation status of at least one CpG dinucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NO:1 (more preferably, sub-regions thereof according to SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3), derived from the tissue sample, relative to a control sample, or a known standard and making a diagnosis based thereon.

In particular preferred embodiments, inventive oligomers are used to assess the CpG dinucleotide methylation status, such as those based on SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:15, or arrays thereof, as well as in kits based thereon and useful for the diagnosis and/or classification of cellular proliferative disorders.

Kits

Moreover, an additional aspect of the present invention is a kit comprising: a means for determining Septin 9 methylation. The means for determining Septin 9 methylation comprise preferably a bisulfite-containing reagent; one or a plurality of oligonucleotides consisting whose sequences in each case are identical, are complementary, or hybridise under stringent or highly stringent conditions to a 9 or more preferably 18 base long segment of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15; and optionally instructions for carrying out and evaluating the described method of methylation analysis. In one embodiment the base sequence of said oligonucleotides comprises at least one CpG, CpA or TpG dinucleotide.

In a further embodiment, said kit may further comprise standard reagents for performing a CpG position-specific methylation analysis, wherein said analysis comprises one or more of the following techniques: MS-SNuPE™, MSP, MethyLight™, HeavyMethyl™, COBRA™, and nucleic acid sequencing. However, a kit along the lines of the present invention can also contain only part of the aforementioned components.

In a preferred embodiment the kit may comprise additional bisulfite conversion reagents selected from the group consisting: DNA denaturation buffer; sulfonation buffer; DNA recovery reagents or kits (e.g., precipitation, ultrafiltration, affinity column); desulfonation buffer; and DNA recovery components.

In a further alternative embodiment, the kit may contain, packaged in separate containers, a polymerase and a reaction buffer optimised for primer extension mediated by the polymerase, such as PCR. In another embodiment of the invention the kit further comprising means for obtaining a biological sample of the patient. Preferred is a kit, which further comprises a container suitable for containing the means for determining methylation of the gene Septin 9 in the biological sample of the patient, and most preferably further comprises instructions for use and interpretation of the kit results. In a preferred embodiment the kit comprises: (a) a bisulfite reagent; (b) a container suitable for containing the said bisulfite reagent and the biological sample of the patient; (c) at least one set of primer oligonucleotides containing two oligonucleotides whose sequences in each case are identical, are complementary, or hybridise under stringent or highly stringent conditions to a 9 or more preferably 18 base long segment of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15; and optionally (d) instructions for use and interpretation of the kit results. In an alternative preferred embodiment the kit comprises: (a) a bisulfite reagent; (b) a container suitable for containing the said bisulfite reagent and the biological sample of the patient; (c) at least one oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomer having a length of at least 9 or 16 nucleotides which is identical to or hybridises to a pre-treated nucleic acid sequence according to one of SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15 and sequences complementary thereto; and optionally (d) instructions for use and interpretation of the kit results.

In an alternative embodiment the kit comprises: (a) a bisulfite reagent; (b) a container suitable for containing the said bisulfite reagent and the biological sample of the patient; (c) at least one set of primer oligonucleotides containing two oligonucleotides whose sequences in each case are identical, are complementary, or hybridise under stringent or highly stringent conditions to a 9 or more preferably 18 base long segment of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15; (d) at least one oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomer having a length of at least 9 or 16 nucleotides which is identical to or hybridises to a pre-treated nucleic acid sequence according to one of SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15 and sequences complementary thereto; and optionally (e) instructions for use and interpretation of the kit results.

The kit may also contain other components such as buffers or solutions suitable for blocking, washing or coating, packaged in a separate container.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a kit for use in determining the presence of and/or distinguishing between cell proliferative disorders, said kit comprising: a means for measuring the level of transcription of the gene Septin 9 and a means for determining Septin 9 methylation.

Typical reagents (e.g., as might be found in a typical COBRA™-based kit) for COBRA™ analysis may include, but are not limited to: PCR primers for Septin 9; restriction enzyme and appropriate buffer; gene-hybridization oligo; control hybridization oligo; kinase labeling kit for oligo probe; and labeled nucleotides. Typical reagents (e.g., as might be found in a typical MethyLight™-based kit) for MethyLight™ analysis may include, but are not limited to: PCR primers for the bisulfite converted sequence of the Septin 9 gene; bisulfite specific probes (e.g., TaqMan™ or Lightcycler™); optimized PCR buffers and deoxynucleotides; and Taq polymerase.

Typical reagents (e.g., as might be found in a typical Ms-SNuPE™-based kit) for Ms-SNuPE™ analysis may include, but are not limited to: PCR primers for specific gene (or bisulfite treated DNA sequence or CpG island); optimized PCR buffers and deoxynucleotides; gel extraction kit; positive control primers; Ms-SNuPE™ primers for the bisulfite converted sequence of the Septin 9 gene; reaction buffer (for the Ms-SNuPE reaction); and labelled nucleotides.

Typical reagents (e.g., as might be found in a typical MSP-based kit) for MSP analysis may include, but are not limited to: methylated and unmethylated PCR primers for the bisulfite converted sequence of the Septin 9 gene, optimized PCR buffers and deoxynucleotides, and specific probes.

Moreover, an additional aspect of the present invention is an alternative kit comprising a means for determining Septin 9 methylation, wherein said means comprise preferably at least one methylation specific restriction enzyme; one or a plurality of primer oligonucleotides (preferably one or a plurality of primer pairs) suitable for the amplification of a sequence comprising at least one CpG dinucleotide of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS:1 to 3; and optionally instructions for carrying out and evaluating the described method of methylation analysis. In one embodiment the base sequence of said oligonucleotides are identical, are complementary, or hybridise under stringent or highly stringent conditions to an at least 18 base long segment of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3.

In a further embodiment said kit may comprise one or a plurality of oligonucleotide probes for the analysis of the digest fragments, preferably said oligonucleotides are identical, are complementary, or hybridise under stringent or highly stringent conditions to an at least 16 base long segment of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3.

In a preferred embodiment the kit may comprise additional reagents selected from the group consisting: buffer (e.g., restriction enzyme, PCR, storage or washing buffers); DNA recovery reagents or kits (e.g., precipitation, ultrafiltration, affinity column) and DNA recovery components.

In a further alternative embodiment, the kit may contain, packaged in separate containers, a polymerase and a reaction buffer optimized for primer extension mediated by the polymerase, such as PCR. In another embodiment of the invention the kit further comprising means for obtaining a biological sample of the patient. In a preferred embodiment the kit comprises: (a) a methylation sensitive restriction enzyme reagent; (b) a container suitable for containing the said reagent and the biological sample of the patient; (c) at least one set of oligonucleotides one or a plurality of nucleic acids or peptide nucleic acids which are identical, are complementary, or hybridise under stringent or highly stringent conditions to an at least 9 base long segment of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3; and optionally (d) instructions for use and interpretation of the kit results.

In an alternative preferred embodiment the kit comprises: (a) a methylation sensitive restriction enzyme reagent; (b) a container suitable for containing the said reagent and the biological sample of the patient; (c) at least one set of primer oligonucleotides suitable for the amplification of a sequence comprising at least one CpG dinucleotide of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS:1 to 3; and optionally (d) instructions for use and interpretation of the kit results.

In an alternative embodiment the kit comprises: (a) a methylation sensitive restriction enzyme reagent; (b) a container suitable for containing the said reagent and the biological sample of the patient; (c) at least one set of primer oligonucleotides suitable for the amplification of a sequence comprising at least one CpG dinucleotide of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS:1 to 3; (d) at least one set of oligonucleotides one or a plurality of nucleic acids or peptide nucleic acids which are identical, are complementary, or hybridise under stringent or highly stringent conditions to an at least 9 base long segment of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3 and optionally (e) instructions for use and interpretation of the kit results.\

The kit may also contain other components such as buffers or solutions suitable for blocking, washing or coating, packaged in a separate container.

The invention further relates to a kit for use in providing a diagnosis of the presence of a cell proliferative disorder in a subject by means of methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme analysis. Said kit comprises a container and a DNA microarray component. Said DNA microarray component being a surface upon which a plurality of oligonucleotides are immobilized at designated positions and wherein the oligonucleotide comprises at least one CpG methylation site. At least one of said oligonucleotides is specific for the gene Septin 9 and comprises a sequence of at least 15 base pairs in length but no more than 200 by of a sequence according to one of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3. Preferably said sequence is at least 15 base pairs in length but no more than 80 by of a sequence according to one of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3. It is further preferred that said sequence is at least 20 base pairs in length but no more than 30 by of a sequence according to one of SEQ ID NOS:1 to SEQ ID NO:3.

Said test kit preferably further comprises a restriction enzyme component comprising one or a plurality of methylation-sensitive restriction enzymes.

In a further embodiment said test kit is further characterized in that it comprises at least one methylation-specific restriction enzyme, and wherein the oligonucleotides comprise a restriction site of said at least one methylation specific restriction enzymes.

The kit may further comprise one or several of the following components, which are known in the art for DNA enrichment: a protein component, said protein binding selectively to methylated DNA; a triplex-forming nucleic acid component, one or a plurality of linkers, optionally in a suitable solution; substances or solutions for performing a ligation, e.g., ligases, buffers; substances or solutions for performing a column chromatography; substances or solutions for performing an immunology based enrichment (e.g., immunoprecipitation); substances or solutions for performing a nucleic acid amplification e.g., PCR; a dye or several dyes, if applicable with a coupling reagent, if applicable in a solution; substances or solutions for performing a hybridization; and/or substances or solutions for performing a washing step.

The described invention further provides a composition of matter useful for detecting, differentiation and distinguishing between colon cell proliferative disorders. Said composition comprising at least one nucleic acid 18 base pairs in length of a segment of the nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15, and one or more substances taken from the group comprising: 1-5 mM Magnesium Chloride, 100-500 μM dNTP, 0.5-5 units of taq polymerase, bovine serum albumen, an oligomer in particular an oligonucleotide or peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-oligomer, said oligomer comprising in each case at least one base sequence having a length of at least 9 nucleotides which is complementary to, or hybridizes under moderately stringent or stringent conditions to a pretreated genomic DNA according to one of the SEQ ID NOS:4 to SEQ ID NO:15 and sequences complementary thereto. It is preferred that said composition of matter comprises a buffer solution appropriate for the stabilization of said nucleic acid in an aqueous solution and enabling polymerase based reactions within said solution. Suitable buffers are known in the art and commercially available.

In further preferred embodiments of the invention said at least one nucleic acid is at least 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 or 500 base pairs in length of a segment of the nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NOS: 4 to SEQ ID NO:15.

While the present invention has been described with specificity in accordance with certain of its preferred embodiments, the following examples serve only to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the invention within the principles and scope of the broadest interpretations and equivalent configurations thereof.

EXAMPLES Example 1

In the following example a variety of assays suitable for the methylation analysis of SEQ ID NO:1 were designed. The assays were designed to be run on the LightCycler™ platform (Roche Diagnostics), but other such instruments commonly used in the art are also suitable. The assays were MSP and HeavyMethyl assays. MSP amplificates were designed to be detected by means of Taqman™ style fluorescent labelled detection probes, HeavyMethyl™ amplificates were designed to be detected by means of LightCycler™ style dual probes.

-   Genomic region of interest: -   SEQ ID NO:1 -   Assay type: MSP

Primers: SEQ ID NO: 121 aaaatcctctccaacacgtc SEQ ID NO: 122 cgcgattcgttgtttattag Taqman probes: SEQ ID NO: 123 cggatttcgcggttaacgcgtagtt

Temperature Cycling Program:

activation: 95° C. 10 min 55 cycles: 95° C. 15 sec (20° C./s) 62° C. 45 sec (20° C./s) cooling: 40° C.  5 sec

-   Genomic region of interest: -   SEQ ID NO:1 -   Assay type: MSP

Primers: SEQ ID NO: 124 aaaatcctctccaacacgtc SEQ ID NO: 125 cgcgattcgttgtttattag Taqman probes: SEQ ID NO: 126 cggatttcgcggttaacgcgtagtt

-   Temperature cycling profile:

activation: 95° C. 10 min 55 cycles: 95° C. 15 sec (20° C./s) 62° C. 45 sec (20° C./s)

-   Genomic region of interest: -   SEQ ID NO:1 -   Assay type: HeavyMethyl

Primers: SEQ ID NO: 127 gtagtagttagtttagtatttatttt SEQ ID NO: 128 cccaccaaccatcatat Blockers: SEQ ID NO: 54 catcatatcaaaccccacaatcaacacacaac Probes: SEQ ID NO: 55 gttcgaaatgattttatttagttgc SEQ ID NO: 56 cgttgatcgcggggttc

-   Temperature cycling profile:

Activation 95° C. 10 min 50 cycles 95° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) 56° C. 30 sec (20° C./s) detection 72° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) Melting curve 95° C. 10 sec 40° C. 10 sec 70° C.  0 sec Cooling 40° C.  5 sec

-   Genomic region of interest: -   SEQ ID NO:1 -   Assay type: HeavyMethyl™

Primers: SEQ ID NO: 57 ggggagggttgtttatt SEQ ID NO: 58 cccctccctttaactct Blockers: SEQ ID NO: 59 ttaactctccccaacaactctcaaaccccac Probes: SEQ ID NO: 60 ttagtcggaggtgaggaacgattt SEQ ID NO: 61 ttatttcgttgtcgggtttaagcg

-   Temperature cycling profile:

Activation 95° C. 10 min 50 cycles 95° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) 56° C. 30 sec (20° C./s) detection 72° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) Melting curve 95° C. 10 sec 40° C. 10 sec 70° C.  0 sec Cooling 40° C.  5 sec

Example 2

The following analysis was performed in order to select preferred panels suitable for colorectal carcinoma screening and/or diagnosis based on analysis of DNA methylation within whole blood, said panel comprising at least the analysis of SEQ ID NO: 1. The best performing assays from Example 1 were selected for the analyses, in addition to methylation assays suitable for analysis of the genes according to SEQ ID NOS:24 to SEQ ID NO:27 of Table 1.

The performance of each marker was analysed using an assay platform (LightCycler™) and real time assays (MSP and/or HeavyMethyl™) as would be suitable for use in a reference or clinical laboratory setting. The performance of each marker was tested independently in colorectal carcinoma tissue and whole blood, in order to provide an indication of the accuracy of each marker.

In addition to the analysis of SEQ ID NO:1 the panels comprised further genes selected from the group of markers consisting:

(SEQ ID NO: 24) FOX2 (SEQ ID NO: 25) NGFR (SEQ ID NO: 26) TMEFF2 (SEQ ID NO: 27) SIX6

Each marker was analysed by means of at least one methylation specific assay, namely MSP and/or HeavyMethyl, as shown in TABLE 2.

A further assay (not methylation specific), hereinafter referred to as the C3 assay was performed in order to quantify the total amount of DNA in each sample. The C3 assay is a bisulfite DNA assay that detects total DNA irrespective of methylation state. The following primers and probes were used:

SEQ ID NO: 62 Primer: GGAGTGGAGGAAATTGAGAT SEQ ID NO: 63 Primer: CCACACAACAAATACTCAAAAC SEQ ID NO: 64 Probe: TGGGTGTTTGTAATTTTTGTTTTGTGTTAGGTT

Each assay was run in duplicate on colorectal carcinoma, normal adjacent tissue and/or whole blood samples as shown in TABLE 3.

DNA extraction was carried out using commercially available kits, and bisulfite conversion was carried out with minor modifications according to the method described in Olek et al. (1996).

All assays (C3 and methylation specific) were performed using the LightCycler™ platform.

Data Interpretation

Calculation of DNA concentration. The Cp (crossing point values) and intensity curves as calculated by the Lightcycler instrument software were used to determine DNA concentration. The DNA concentration was calculated by reference of the CP value of each well to a standard curve for both the methylation assays and the C3 assay.

Sample replicates. In most cases each assay was run twice per sample, resulting in multiple measurements per sample. For each sample a score is calculated as follows:

-   -   1. Calculate the ratio v1/v2 for all sample pairs     -   2. If both are below a threshold of 0.1 ng, the ratio is set to         =, if one is = and the other is above threshold, set the ratio         to 100     -   3. For each assay samples whose ratio exceeds 2.5 are not         analysed further     -   4. For samples not having exactly two replicates the average is         taken without taking any scores

Percentage methylation. All samples that measured less than 1 ng DNA using the C3 assay were not further considered. For each sample the detected percentage methylation was calculated as the measured concentration of DNA quantified using the methylation assays over the concentration of DNA in the sample as quantified by the C3 assay.

Detection of methylation was determined at three different threshold levels, see tables) as well as at all methylation levels (i.e. any samples wherein methylation was detected were deemed positive).

The sensitivity of each assay was determined from the colorectal carcinoma sample positive detection rate, wherein sensitivity was determined as the % samples wherein methylation was positively detected (i.e. true positives).

The specificity of each assay was determined from the whole blood sample negative detection rate (i.e. true negative detection rate) wherein false positives were discounted from the total number of analysed samples.

Results

The proportion of the analysed samples with methylation measured within various thresholds by individual assays are shown in Table 4 (colorectal carcinoma tissue), 5 (normal adjacent tissue) and 6 (whole blood).

Furthermore, sensitivity plots, specificity plots and ROC curves for SEQ ID NO:1 (Assay 2) are shown in FIG. 2, illustrating the significance of the difference in methylation between colorectal carcinoma tissue and whole blood, and in some cases normal adjacent tissues. The AUC of each ROC plot and the Wilcoxon p-value are shown in Table 12.

Stage

A further analysis of the colorectal carcinoma results according to stage of the carcinoma is shown in Table 7. In said table marker sensitivity based on two different methylation thresholds (>10% and >20%) is shown for all stages of CRC. For most markers, sensitivity is uniform across all CRC stages so these markers would be suitable for detection of all stages of CRC in a screening or monitoring test. There seems to be a trend for higher sensitivity in Stage II cancers. The less sensitive, more specific markers tend to identify earlier stage cancers (e.g., FOX2 (Assay 3)) and could add to the sensitivity of a screening/monitoring test but also may be useful for other applications (biopsies, stool tests, etc).

Panel

The proportion of the analysed samples with methylation measured within various thresholds by combinations of assays in colorectal carcinoma and whole blood is shown in Table 8-11. In each case, the tables show the proportion of samples within the given threshold, and additionally, the gain in detected samples of using both markers, as opposed to only the first marker.

Example 3

The following analysis was performed in order to confirm the gene Septin 9, (including its transcript variant Q9HC74) and panels thereof as a suitable marker for colorectal carcinoma screening and/or diagnosis based on analysis of DNA methylation in whole blood by validating the performance of assays in a large sample set.

The performance of the marker was analysed using an assay platform (Lightcycler) and real time assays (MSP and/or HeavyMethyl) as would be suitable for use in a reference or clinical laboratory setting. The performance of each marker was tested independently in colorectal tissue (normal adjacent tissue), colorectal carcinoma tissue and whole blood, in order to provide an indication of the accuracy of the marker.

The following primers and probes were used: SEQ ID NO:1 (Assay 7) using the LightCycler™ probes according to Table 2 was performed using the following protocol:

Water Fill up to final volume of 10 μl MgCl2 3.5 Primer forward 0.3 Primer reverse 0.3 Blocker 4 detect. Probe (fluo) 0.15 detect. Probe (red) 0.15 1a + 1b reagent FastStart mix 1 DNA

LightCycler Program:

activation: 95° C. 10 min 55 cycles: 95° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) 56° C. 30 sec (20° C./s) detection 72° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) melting curve: 95° C. 10 sec 20 40° C. 10 sec 20 70° C.  0 sec  0.1 cooling: 40° C.  5 sec SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 7) using the Taqman probes according to Table 2 was performed using the following protocol: protocol:

water Fill up to final volume of 10 μl MgCl2 3.5 Primer 1 0.3 Primer 2 0.3 Blocker 4 TaqMan probe 0.15 1a + 1b reagent (FastStart) 1 DNA 10 μl

Cycling Conditions

activation: 95° C. 10 min 50 cycles: 95° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) 56° C. 30 sec (20° C./s) detection 72° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) melting curve: 95° C. 10 sec 20 40° C. 10 sec 20 70° C.  0 sec  0.1 cooling: 40° C.  5 sec

The C3 assay was performed in order to quantify the total amount of DNA in each sample. The C3 assay was performed as above in Example 2.

Each assay was run in duplicate on colorectal carcinoma, normal adjacent tissue and/or whole blood samples. Two sets of samples were analysed, sample set 1 as shown in Table 13 and sample set 2 as shown in Table 14.

Sample set 1 was analysed using the following assays detailed in Table 2:

-   SEQ ID NO:1 (Assay 2) -   SEQ ID NO:26 (Assay 6) -   SEQ ID NO:24 (Assay 5) -   SEQ ID NO:25 (Assay 3)

Sample set 2 was analysed using the following assays as detailed in Table 2: SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 7) both LightCycler (LC) and Taqman (Taq) variants and the following assays

-   SEQ ID NO: 28 (Assay 2) -   SEQ ID NO: 24 (Assay 5b) -   SEQ ID NO: 29 (Assay 2b) -   as detailed in Table 17.

Only samples with greater than 4ng of DNA were analysed. In sample set 1 27 blood samples and 91 colorectal cancer samples were analysed. In sample set 2 26 blood samples 22 non-adjacent colorectal tissue samples and 81 colorectal cancer samples were analysed.

All assays (C3 and methylation specific) were performed using the Lightcycler platform.

DNA Extraction and Bisulfite Treatment

The DNA was isolated from the all samples by means of the Magna Pure™ method (Roche) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The eluate resulting from the purification was then converted according to the following bisulfite reaction.

The eluate was mixed with 354 μl of bisulfite solution (5.89 mol/l) and 146 μl of dioxane containing a radical scavenger(6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane 2-carboxylic acid, 98.6 mg in 2.5 ml of dioxane). The reaction mixture was denatured for 3 min at 99° C. and subsequently incubated at the following temperature program for a total of 7 h min 50° C.; one thermospike (99.9° C.) for 3 min; 1.5 h 50° C.; one thermospike (99° C.) for 3 min; 3 h 50° C. The reaction mixture was subsequently purified by ultrafiltration using a Millipore Microcon™ column. The purification was conducted essentially according to the manufacturer's instructions. For this purpose, the reaction mixture was mixed with 300 μl of water, loaded onto the ultrafiltration membrane, centrifuged for 15 min and subsequently washed with 1× TE buffer. The DNA remains on the membrane in this treatment. Then desulfonation is performed. For this purpose, 0.2 mol/l NaOH was added and incubated for 10 min. A centrifugation (10 min) was then conducted, followed by a washing step with 1× TE buffer. After this, the DNA was eluted. For this purpose, the membrane was mixed for 10 minutes with 75 μl of warm 1× TE buffer (50° C.). The membrane was turned over according to the manufacturer's instructions. Subsequently a repeated centrifugation was conducted, with which the DNA was removed from the membrane. 10 μl of the eluate was utilized for the Lightcycler Real Time PCR assay.

Reaction Solutions and Thermal Cycling Conditions SEQ ID NO: 26 Assay 6 (HeavyMethyl Assay) Reaction Solution:

water MgCl2 3.50 mM (buffer include 1 mM!) Primer mix 0.30 μM (each) Blocker 4.00 μM detect. probes mix 0.15 μM (each) 1a + 1b reagent FastStart mix 1.00 x

Thermal Cycling Conditions:

activation: 95° C. 10 min 55 cycles: 95° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) 56° C. 30 sec (20° C./s) detection 72° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) melting curve: 95° C. 10 sec 20 40° C. 10 sec 20 70° C.  0 sec  0.1 cooling: 40° C.  5 sec

SEQ ID NO: 25 Assay 3 (HeavyMethyl Assay) Reaction Solution:

water MgCl2 3.50 mM (buffer include 1 mM!) Primer mix 0.30 μM (each) Blocker 4.00 μM detect. probes mix 0.15 μM (each) 1a + 1b reagent FastStart mix 1.00 x

Thermal Cycling Conditions:

activation: 95° C. 10 min 55 cycles: 95° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) 56° C. 30 sec (20° C./s) detection 72° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) melting curve: 95° C. 10 sec 20 40° C. 10 sec 20 70° C.  0 sec  0.1 cooling: 40° C.  5 sec

SEQ ID NO: 24 Assay 5B (HeavyMethyl Assay) Reaction Solution:

water MgCl2 3.00 MM * Primer forward 0.30 μM Primer reverse 0.30 μM Blocker 4.00 μM detect. probes fluo 0.15 μM detect. probes red 0.15 μM 1a + 1b reagent mix 1.00 x

Thermal Cycling Conditions:

denat at 95° C. 95° C. 10 min 55 cycles: denat at 95° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) Annealing 58° C. 30 sec (20° C./s) detection extension 72° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) melting 95° C. 10 sec 20 35° C. 20 sec 20 95° C.  0 sec  0.1

SEQ ID NO: 24 Assay 5 (HeavyMethyl Assay) Reaction Solution:

water MgCl2 3.00 mM (buffer include mM!) Primer forward 0.30 μM Primer reverse 0.30 μM Blocker 4.00 μM LightCycler Probe 0.15 μM LightCycler Probe 0.15 μM 1a + 1b reagent mix 1.00 x

Thermal Cycling Conditions:

denat at 95° C. 95° C. 10 min 55 cycles: denat at 95° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) Annealing 58° C. 30 sec (20° C./s) detection extension 72° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) melting 95° C. 10 sec 20 35° C. 20 sec 20 95° C.  0 sec  0.1

SEQ ID NO: 1 Assay 2 (MSP Assay) Reaction Solution:

Water (3315932) MgCl2 (2239272) 3.50 MM (*) Primer forward 0.60 μM Primer reverse 0.60 μM detect. Probe 0.30 μM 1a + 1b reagent FastStart mix 1.00 x

Thermal Cycling Conditions:

activation: 95° C. 10 min 50 cycles: 95° C. 15 sec 62° C. 45 sec cooling: 40° C.  5 sec

SEQ ID NO: 1 Assay 7 (LightCycler Probe HeavyMethyl Assay) Reaction Solution:

water MgCl2 3.50 mM (buffer include mM!) Primer 1 0.30 μM Primer 2 0.30 μM Blocker 4.00 μM detect. Probe (fluo) 0.15 μM detect. Probe (red) 0.15 μM 1a + 1b reagent (FastStart) 1.00 x

Thermal Cycling Conditions:

activation: 95° C. 10 min 50 cycles: 95° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) 56° C. 30 sec (20° C./s) detection 72° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) melting curve: 95° C. 10 sec 20 40° C. 10 sec 20 70° C.  0 sec  0.1 cooling: 40° C.  5 sec

SEQ ID NO: 1 Assay 7 (Taman HeavyMethyl Assay) Reaction Solution:

water MgCl2 3.50 mM (buffer include mM!) Primer 1 0.30 μM Primer 2 0.30 μM Blocker 4.00 μM detection probe 1 0.15 μM detection probe 2 0.15 μM 1a + 1b reagent mix 1.00 x

Thermal Cycling Conditions:

activation: 95° C. 10 min 50 cycles: 95° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) 56° C. 30 sec (20° C./s) detection 72° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) melting curve: 95° C. 10 sec 20 40° C. 10 sec 20 70° C.  0 sec  0.1 cooling: 40° C.  5 sec

SEQ ID NO: 28 Assay 2 (HeavyMethyl Assay) Reaction Solution:

water MgCl2 3.50 mM (buffer include mM!) Primer 1 0.30 μM Primer 2 0.30 μM Blocker 4.00 μM detection probe 1 0.15 μM detection probe 2 0.15 μM 1a + 1b reagent mix 1.00 x

Thermal Cycling Conditions:

activation: 95° C. 10 min 50 cycles: 95° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) 56° C. 30 sec (20° C./s) detection 72° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) melting curve: 95° C. 10 sec 20 40° C. 10 sec 20 70° C.  0 sec  0.1 cooling:_(—) 40° C.  5 sec

SEQ ID NO: 29 Assay 2B (HeavyMethyl Assay) Reaction Solution:

water MgCl2 3.00 mM (buffer include mM!) Primer 1 0.30 μM Primer 2 0.30 μM Blocker 4.00 μM detect. Probe (fluo) 0.15 μM detect. Probe (red) 0.15 μM 1a + 1b reagent (FastStart) 1.00 x

Thermal Cycling Conditions:

activation: 95° C. 10 min 50 cycles: 95° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) 58° C. 30 sec (20° C./s) detection 72° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) melting curve: 95° C. 10 sec 20 40° C. 10 sec 20 70° C.  0 sec  0.1

SEQ ID NO: 29 Assay 2 (HeavyMethyl Assay) Reaction Solution:

water MgCl2 3.50 mM (buffer include mM!) Primer 1 0.30 μM Primer 2 0.30 μM Blocker 4.00 μM detection probe 1 0.15 μM detection probe 2 0.15 μM 1a + 1b reagent mix 1.00 x

Thermal Cycling Conditions:

activation: 95° C. 10 min 55 cycles: 95° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) 56° C. 30 sec (20° C./s) detection 72° C. 10 sec (20° C./s) melting curve: 95° C. 10 sec 20 40° C. 10 sec 20 70° C.  0 sec  0.1 cooling: 40° C.  5 sec

Data Interpretation

Calculation of DNA concentration. The Cp (crossing point values) as calculated by the LightCycler™ instrument software were used to determine DNA concentration. The DNA concentration was calculated by reference of the CP value of each well to a standard curve for both the methylation assays and the C3 assay.

In most cases each assay was run twice per sample, resulting in multiple measurements per sample.

Percentage methylation. All samples that measured less than 4ng DNA using the C3 assay were not further considered. For each sample the detected percentage methylation was calculated as the measured concentration of DNA quantified using the methylation assays over the concentration of DNA in the sample as quantified by the C3 assay.

Detection of methylation was determined at multiple different threshold levels, see tables) as well as at all methylation levels (i.e. any samples wherein methylation was detected were deemed positive).

The sensitivity of each assay was determined from the colorectal carcinoma sample positive detection rate, wherein sensitivity was determined as the % samples wherein methylation was positively detected (i.e. true positives).

The specificity of each assay was determined from the whole blood sample negative detection rate (i.e. true negative detection rate) wherein false positives were discounted from the total number of analysed samples.

Results

The proportion or number of the analysed samples with methylation measured within a given threshold by individual assays are shown in TABLE 15 (Sample set 1) and in TABLE 16 (Sample set 2). Wherein at least one of the two replicates tested positive within a given threshold the sample was considered as positive. The panel data was compiled by determining the proportion or number of the analysed samples with methylation measured within a given threshold using at least one assay of the panel. Wherein at least one of the two replicates tested positive within a given threshold the sample was considered as positive.

SEQ ID NO:1 Assay 2 was further tested in a set of 14 breast cancer samples, 12 colorectal cancer samples and 10 whole blood samples (Sample set 3). The proportion or number of the analysed samples with methylation measured within a given threshold by individual assays are shown in Tables 18.

Example 4 Other Cancers

The following analysis was performed in order to confirm the gene Septin 9, (including its transcript variant Q9HC74) and panels thereof as a suitable marker for the screening and/or diagnosis of other cancers, based on analysis of DNA methylation in whole blood by validating the performace of assays in a large sample set.

The performance of the marker was analysed using HeavyMethyl Assay 7 of SEQ ID NO:1 according to Table 2, reactions conditions were as according to Example 2.

Table 20 shows the number of samples tested in each class, and the number of samples wherein both replicates tested positive for methylation. FIG. 3 shows the methylation levels measured in other cancers, as can be seen the gene is methylated across multiple cancer types. However, only liver cancer is methylated at equal or higher rates than colorectal cancer. FIG. 4 shows the methylation levels measured in other non-cancerous diseases, as can be seen only pyleonephritis is methylated at equal or higher rates than colorectal cancer.

Example 5 Bisulfite Sequencing Sequencing of the Septin 9 Gene

It has been postulated that the gene Septin 9 has from 4 (see previous discussion regarding the Ensembl database) to at least 6 different transcript variants (at the 5′ end, see Russell et al. Oncogene. 2001 Sep. 13; 20(41):5930-9). Of the variants referred to by Russell et al. amplicons were designed to cover the CpG islands or CpG rich regions covering for 4 variants (alpha, beta, gamma and epsilon). There are 2 CpG islands overlapping 2 of the variants, epsilon and gamma. The beta variant appears to be regulated by the gamma CPG island.

Samples from 12 patients were analysed, the level of Septin 9 methylation having been previously quantified by means of HeavyMethyl assay, as described above. Two samples had greater than 20% methylation (Sample C group), 4 samples had 10% to 20% methylation (Sample B group) and 6 samples had previously displayed up to 10% methylation (Sample A group).

Furthermore, DNA of 3 whole blood samples from subjects with no apparent disease was also used for alpha and beta amplicons (Sample N group).

DNA Extraction and Bisulfite Treatment

DNA was isolated with QIAGEN Genomic-Tip 500/G or 100/G according to the manufacturer's instructions. The purified genomic DNA was then converted according to the following bisulfite reaction.

2 ug of DNA in 100 ul was mixed with 354 μl of bisulfite solution (10.36 g sodium bisulfite & 2.49 g sodium sulfite in 22 ml nuclease-free water) and 146 μl of dioxane containing a radical scavenger (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchromane 2-carboxylic acid, 323 mg in 8.2 ml of dioxane). The bisulfite reaction was as follows:

Time Speed Action 3 min Water bath 99.9° C. 30 min 1000 rpm Thermomixer 60° C. 3 min Water bath 99.9° C. 1.5 hour 1000 rpm Thermomixer 60° C. 3 min Water bath 99.9° C. 3 hour 1000 rpm Thermomixer 60° C. The reaction mixture was subsequently purified by ultrafiltration using a Millipore Microcon™ column. The purification was conducted according to the manufacturer's instructions. More specifically for desulfonation and washing:

Time Volume Speed Action 200 μl Sterile water to bisulfite reaction; mix, vortex & spin 400 μl Bisulfite mix to Microcon column 20 min 14,000 g Discard tube with flow through; replace with new tube 400 μl Remaining bisulfite mix to the same Microcon filter 20 min 14,000 g Discard tube with flow through; replace with new tube 400 μl 0.2M NaOH 12 min 14,000 g Discard tube with flow through; replace with new tube 400 μl 0.1M NaOH 12 min 14,000 g Discard tube with flow through; replace with new tube 400 μl ddH₂O 12 min 14,000 g Discard tube with flow through; replace with new tube 400 μl ddH₂O 12 min 14,000 g Discard tube with flow through; replace with new tube Then 50 μl of Bisulfite TE buffer (pre-warmed to 50° C.; 0.1 mM EDTA in 10 mM Tris) was added to the membrane and incubated for 10 min under agitation (1000 rpm). The column was inverted into a 1.7 ml low-retention tube and spun at 1000 g for for 7 minutes to elute the DNA. The DNA concentration was determined by a control gene (HB14) real-time PCR assay.

Amplification. See Table 21 for amplicons and PCR primers. Amplicons with “rc” in their names were amplified from the Bis2 strand, others from the Bis1 strand.

Fragments of interest were amplified using the following conditions in 25 ul reactions.

PCR Reaction:

1x volume (ul) Final conc. 10X DyNAzyme EXT buffer w/MgCl₂ 2.5 1X 2 mM dNTPs 2.5 200 uM each Rev/For primer combo (10 uM stock) 1.25 0.5 uM each DyNAzyme EXT polymerase 1 U/ul 0.5 0.5 unit total Bisulfite Treated DNA (@10 ng/ul) 2.5-5   25-50 ng total DMSO 100% 0-0.5 0-2%

Cycling conditions: 3 min 94° C.; 20 s 94° C.; 30 s 54° C.; 45 s 72° C. (38-42 cycles); 10 min 72° C.

Purification of the PCR product. PCR product was purified with the Montage™ DNA Gel Extraction Kit according the manufacturer's instruction. In brief, PCR reaction was run on 1% modified TAE (containing 0.1 mM EDTA instead of the 1.0 mM EDTA in standard TAE) agarose gel. The DNA band of interest was cut and excised. The gel slice was place in a Montage DNA gel Extraction Device, and span at 5000 g for 10 minutes to collect the DNA solution. The purified DNA was further concentrated to 10 ul.

TA cloning. The PCR product was cloned and propagated with the Invitrogen TOPO® TA Cloning kit according to manufacturers instruction. In brief, 2 ul of purified and concentrated PCR product was used in a TOPO cloning reaction to clone it into the vector pCR®2.1-TOPO. Transformation was done with the chemically competent E. coli strain TOP10.

Sequencing. Individual colonies were picked and cultured in LB (50 ug Carbenicillin/ml LB for selection). 1 ul of overnight culture were used for colony PCR in a 20 ul volume:

-   PCR mix -   2.5 ul 10× DyNAzyme buffer -   2.5 ul 2 mM dNTPs -   1.25 ul M13 F primer (10 uM) -   1.25 ul M13R primer (10 uM) -   0.25 ul DyNAzyme Polymerase -   12.25 ul ddH2O

Cycling conditions: 3 min 94° C.; 1 min 94° C.; 1 min 55° C.; 1 min 72° C. (36 cycles); 10 min 72° C.

Colony PCR amplicon purification and sequencing reads were done using standard protocols. Sequencing primers used were either M13 reverse primer or one of the amplicon specific primers that generated the initial PCR product.

Results

FIGS. 5 to 29 provide matrices produced from bisulfite sequencing data of the gamma amplicon analyzed by the applicant's proprietary software (See WO 2004/000463 for further information). Each column of the matrices represents the sequencing data for a replicate of one sample, all replicates of each sample are grouped together in one block. Each row of a matrix represents a single CpG site within the fragment. The CpG number of the amplificate is shown to the left of the matrices.

The amount of measured methylation at each CpG position is represented by colour from light grey (0% methylation),to medium grey (50% methylation) to dark grey (100% methylation). Some amplificates, samples or CpG positions were not successfully sequenced and these are shown in white.

FIGS. 5 to 29 provide matrices of the bisulfite sequencing data according to Example 5. Each column of the matrices represents the sequencing data for a replicate of one sample, all replicates of each sample are grouped together in one block. Each row of a matrix represents a single CpG site within the fragment. The CpG number of the amplificate is shown to the left of the matrices.

The amount of measured methylation at each CpG position is represented by colour from light grey (0% methylation),to medium grey (50% methylation) to dark grey (100% methylation). Some amplificates, samples or CpG positions were not successfully sequenced and these are shown in white.

FIGS. 5 to 12 provide an overview of the sequencing of the bisulfite converted amplificates of the genomic sequence according to Table 21 in 4 samples that had previously been quantified (by HeavyMethyl assay) as having between 10% and 20% methylation.

FIGS. 13 to 20 provide an overview of the sequencing of the bisulfite converted amplificate of the genomic sequence according to Table 21 in 2 samples that had previously been quantified (by HeavyMethyl assay) as having greater than 20% methylation.

FIGS. 21 to 22 provide an overview of the sequencing of the bisulfite converted amplificate of the genomic sequence according to Table 21 in blood samples from 3 healthy subjects.

FIGS. 23 to 29 provide an overview of the sequencing of the bisulfite converted amplificate of the genomic sequence according to Table 21 in 6 samples that had previously been quantified (by HeavyMethyl assay) as having less than 10% (but greater than 0%) methylation.

Tables

TABLE 1 Genomic sequences according to sequence listing Methylated Methylated Unmethylated Unmethylated Ensembl Associated bisulfite bisulfite bisulfite bisulfite Ensembl datanbase* gene converted converted converted converted SEQ ID database* genomic transcript sequence sequence sequence sequence NO: location location (s)* (sense) (antisense) (sense) (antisense) 1 AC068594.15.1.168501 17 Septin 9 & 10 11 28 29 150580 to 72789082 Q9HC74 151086 (+) to to AC111170.11.1.158988 73008258 137268 to (+) 138151 (+) 2 AC068594.15.1.168501 17 Septin 9 12 13 30 31 150580 to 72789082 151255 (+) to 72789757 (+) 3 AC111182.20.1.171898 17 Q9HC74 14 15 32 33 127830 to 72881422 129168 (+) to 72882760 (+) 24 AC092947.12.1.72207 3 FOXL2 30 31 42 43 58709 140138862 to 60723 (+) to 140140876 (+) 25 AC015656.9.1.147775 17 NGFR 32 33 44 45 12130 44929475 to 12961 (+) to 44930306 (−) 26 AC092644.3.1.171099 2 TMEFF2 34 35 46 47 148656 to 192884909 149604 (+) to 192885857 (+) 27 AL049874.3.1.193047 Chr. 14 SIX6 36 37 48 49 183 to 60045491 2782 (+) to 60048090 (+) 28 AC002094.1.1.167101 Chr. 17 SARM1 38 39 50 51 27574 to 23723867 & VTN 28353 (+) to 23724646 (−) 29 AC007375.6.1.180331: Chr. 14 ZDHHC22 40 41 52 53 23232 76676531 to 24323 (+) to 76677622 (+) *Ensembl database

TABLE 2 Assays according to Example 2 Genomic SEQ ID NO: Assay Primer Primer Blocker Probe Probe SEQ ID HM Gtagtagtag Catcccccta Caacctaaa Cgcgggag Tgttggcgat NO:  tagggtagag caacctaaa caacacactc agggcgtt cggcgtttt 26(Assay ag (SEQ (SEQ ID ccacacacta (SEQ ID (SEQ ID 2) ID NO: 65) NO: 66) aaacac NO: 68) NO: 69) (SEQ ID NO: 67) SEQ ID MSP Gggtttcggg Atatcgcact Not gagggcgac ttgggcgtcgt NO: 27 cgggta cgctatcgcta applicable ggtacgttag tattagttcggt (Assay (SEQ ID (SEQ ID aggt(SEQ c(SEQ ID 1) NO: 70) NO: 71) ID NO: 72) NO: 73) SEQ ID MSP gtcgggttgg atatcgcactc Not gagggcgac ttgggcgtcgt NO: 27 agggacgta gctatcgcta applicable ggtacgttag tattagttcggt (Assay (SEQ ID (SEQ ID aggt(SEQ c(SEQ ID 2) NO: 74) NO: 75) ID NO: 76) NO: 77) SEQ ID HM gaggtgttag tccccctaca Acctaaaca Cgagtcggc agggcgttttg NO: 26 aggagtagta acctaaa acacactccc gcggga ttggcgatc (Assay g(SEQ ID (SEQ ID NO:  acacactaa (SEQ ID NO:  (SEQ ID NO:  2) NO: 78) 79) aacaccaat 81) 82) (SEQ ID NO: 80) SEQ ID HM aaaaaaaaa ggttattgtttg Acatacacc ttttttttttcgga tcggtcgatgt NO: 26 aaactcctcta ggttaataaat acaaataaat cgtcgtt tttcggtaa (Assay catac(SEQ g(SEQ ID taccaaaaa (SEQ ID (SEQ ID NO:  6) ID NO: 83) NO: 84) catcaaccaa NO: 86) 87) (SEQ ID NO: 85) SEQ ID HM tgagagaga Tctaaataac Ccattaccaa CgaccCGc CGcCGaa NO: 25 gagggttgaa aaaatacctc cacaaccca caacCGac aCGCGctc (Assay a(SEQ ID catt (SEQ ccaaccaa (SEQ ID (SEQ ID 3) NO: 88) ID NO: 89) (SEQ ID NO: 91) NO: 92) NO: 90) SEQ ID HM GtAGtAGtt CCCACCA CATCATa GaACCCC Not NO: 1 (Taq AGtttAGtAt aCCATCA TCAaACC GCGaTCA applicable (Assay man) ttAttTT TaT(SEQ CCACAaT ACGCG 7) (SEQ ID NO:  ID NO: 94) CAACACA (SEQ ID NO:  93) CAaC 96) (SEQ ID NO:  95) SEQ ID HM GtAGtAGtt CCCACCA CATCATa GTtCGAA CGTTGAt NO: 1 (Light AGtttAGtAt aCCATCA TCAaACC ATGATtttA CGCGGG (Assay cycler) ttAttTT TaT(SEQ CCACAaT TttAGtTGC GTtC(SEQ 7) (SEQ ID NO:  ID NO: 98) CAACACA (SEQ ID ID NO:  97) CAaC NO: 100) 101) (SEQ ID NO:  99) SEQ ID HM ccaaaaccta Ggaaatttga Tacaacacc GTtAATTG CGtCGttA NO: 24 aacttacaac ggggtaa accaacaaa CGGGCG GCGGGT (Assay (SEQ ID (SEQ ID NO:  cccaaaaac AtCGA GGG(SEQ 5) NO: 102) 103) acaa(SEQ (SEQ ID NO:  ID NO:  ID NO:  105) 106) 104) SEQ ID MSP aaaatcctctc cgcgattcgtt Not CGgatttCG Not NO: 1 caacacgtc gtttattag applicable CGgttaaC applicable (Assay (SEQ ID (SEQ ID NO:  GCGtagtt 2) NO: 107) 108) (SEQ ID NO: 109)

TABLE 3 Samples analysed according to Example 2 Total no Colorectal Normal adjacent Assay samples carcinoma tissue Blood SEQ ID NO: 24 106 79 0 27 (Assay 5) SEQ ID NO: 25 109 82 0 27 (Assay 3) SEQ ID NO: 26 113 86 0 27 (Assay 6) SEQ ID NO: 1 115 87 0 28 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 26 132 92 16 24 (Assay 2) HM MSP SEQ ID NO: 128 89 15 24 27 (Assay 2)

TABLE 4 Proportion of colorectal carcinoma samples with methylation within various threholds above above above above Assay 0.01 0.1 0.3 0.5 SEQ ID NO: 24 0.911 0.557 0.152 0.076 (Assay 5) SEQ ID NO: 25 0.573 0.402 0.232 0.073 (Assay 3) SEQ ID NO: 26 0.919 0.756 0.43 0.186 (Assay 6) SEQ ID NO: 1 0.885 0.816 0.506 0.218 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 26 0.924 0.739 0.446 0.228 (Assay 2) HM MSP SEQ ID NO: 0.843 0.551 0.169 0.056 27 (Assay 2)

TABLE 5 Proportion of normal adjacent tissue samples with methylation within various threholds above above above above Assay 0.001 0.01 0.1 0.3 SEQ ID NO: 26 0.938 0.938 0 0 (Assay 2) HM MSP SEQ ID NO: 0.933 0.533 0.067 0 27 (Assay 2)

TABLE 6 Proportion of whole blood samples with methylation within various threholds above above Above above Assay 0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1 SEQ ID NO: 24 0.074 0 0 0 (Assay 5) SEQ ID NO: 25 0 0 0 0 (Assay 3) SEQ ID NO: 26 0.148 0.037 0 0 (Assay 6) SEQ ID NO: 1 0.071 0 0 0 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 26 0.292 0.083 0 0 (Assay 2) HM SEQ ID NO: 27 0.083 0.042 0 0 (Assay 2 MSP)

TABLE 7 Proportion of colorectal carcinoma samples within various methylation thresholds according to stage of disease Stage I Stage II Stage III Stage IV Assay >10% >20% >10′% >20% >10% >20% >10% >20% SEQ ID NO: 38.5 23.1 90 60 53.8 23.1 57.1 42.9 24 (Assay 5 HM) SEQ ID NO: 53.8 46.2 50 40 44.4 37 12.5 12.5 25 (Assay 3) SEQ ID NO: 64.3 64.3 90 70 86.2 62.1 66.7 66.7 26 (Assay 6) SEQ ID 71.4 64.3 100 80 79.3 58.6 88.9 88.9 NO: 1 (Assay 2 MSP) SEQ ID NO: 66.7 66.7 92.3 76.9 75 53.6 72.7 72.7 26 (Assay2) SEQ ID NO: 55.6 33.3 69.2 38.5 44.4 18.5 80 50 27 (Assay2)

TABLE 8 Proportion of colorectalcarcinoma samples detected within thresholds 1% to 10% methylation 1% 5% 10% N 1% methylation 5% methylation 10% methylation Panel samples methylation gain methylation gain methylation gain SEQ ID NO: 78 0.987179487 0.075787082 0.884615385 0.045534925 0.884615385 0.068523431 24 (Assay 5)/SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 81 0.938271605 0.053214134 0.901234568 0.062154108 0.888888889 0.072796935 25 (Assay 3)/SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 85 0.976470588 0.057865937 0.894117647 0.055037187 0.882352941 0.066260987 26 (Assay 6)/SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 1 79 0.974683544 0.050770501 0.898734177 0.059653717 0.886075949 0.069983995 (Assay 2)/ SEQ ID NO: 26(Assay 2 HM) SEQ ID NO: 1 76 0.960526316 0.075468845 0.921052632 0.081972172 0.881578947 0.065486993 (Assay 2)/MSP SEQ ID NO: 27(Assay 2)

TABLE 9 Proportion of colorectalcarcinoma samples detected within thresholds 15% to 25% methylation 15% 20% 25% N 15% methylation 20% methylation 25% methylation Panel samples methylation gain methylation gain methylation gain SEQ ID NO: 78 0.820512821 0.061892131 0.717948718 0.039787798 0.602564103 0.027851459 24 (Assay 5)/SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 81 0.839506173 0.080885483 0.740740741 0.062579821 0.62962963 0.054916986 25 (Assay 3)/SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 85 0.835294118 0.076673428 0.776470588 0.098309669 0.729411765 0.154699121 26 (Assay 6)/SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 1 79 0.835443038 0.076822348 0.797468354 0.119307435 0.696202532 0.121489888 (Assay 2)/ SEQ ID NO: 26(Assay 2 HM) SEQ ID NO: 1 76 0.815789474 0.057168784 0.684210526 0.006049607 0.605263158 0.030550514 (Assay 2)/MSP SEQ ID NO: 27(Assay 2)

TABLE 10 Proportion of colorectal carcinoma samples detected within thresholds 30% to 50% methylation 30% N 30% methylation 50% Panel samples methylation gain methylation SEQ ID NO: 24 (Assay 5)/ 78 0.538461538 0.032714412 0.269230769 SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 25 (Assay 3)/ 81 0.580246914 0.074499787 0.259259259 SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 26 (Assay 6)/ 85 0.635294118 0.129546991 0.305882353 SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2)/ 79 0.620253165 0.114506038 0.303797468 SEQ ID NO: 26 (Assay 2 HM) SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2)/MSP 76 0.539473684 0.033726558 0.263157895 SEQ ID NO: 27 (Assay 2)

TABLE 11 Proportion of whole blood samples detected within thresholds 0.01% to 0.1% methylation N 0.01% 0.1% Panel samples methylation methylation SEQ ID NO: 24 (Assay 5)/ 27 0.111111111 0 SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 25 (Assay 3)/ 27 0.074074074 0 SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 26 (Assay 6)/ 27 0.185185185 0.037037037 SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2) SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2)/ 22 0.272727273 0.090909091 SEQ ID NO: 26 (Assay 2 HM) SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2)/MSP 22 0.136363636 0.045454545 SEQ ID NO: 27 (Assay 2)

TABLE 12 Differentiation between blood and colorectal carcinoma sample as illustrated in FIG. 2.* Sensitivity/ Wilcoxon FIG. Assay AUC of ROC Specificity P-value 2 SEQ ID NO: 1 0.99 (0.95/1) 0.98/0.93 0 (Assay 2) *confidence intervals are shown in brackets

TABLE 13 Sample set 1 according to Example 3. Sample Type Sex Age Stage T N M Location CRC F 39 III 4 1 0 sigmoid CRC F 65 III 3 2 0 ileo-cecum CRC M 58 IV rectum CRC M 63 III 3 1 0 rectum CRC M 71 II ascending CRC F 69 I 2 0 0 cecum CRC F 54 III 3 2 0 cecum CRC M 44 IV CRC F 75 IV transverse CRC F 60 II rectum CRC M 76 I descending CRC M 69 IV sigmoid CRC M 73 I 1 0 0 rectum CRC M II 3 0 0 ascending CRC M 62 III 3 1 CRC F 49 IV ascending CRC F 58 III 3 1 X ascending CRC M 42 IV 3 0 1 CRC M 64 I 2 0 0 sigmoid CRC F 64 III rectum CRC F 70 III 3 1 0 terminal ileum CRC M 67 CRC M 80 III 3 1 0 rectosigmoid CRC F 72 IV sigmoid CRC M III rectum CRC M 56 I 2 0 0 sigmoid CRC M 72 III 2 1 0 rectum CRC M 45 IV 4 2 1 cecum CRC F II 3 0 0 CRC M 74 III 3 1 0 rectosigmoid CRC F 75 III 4 2 0 cecum wall CRC M III 3 1 0 CRC M I 2 0 0 ascending CRC F 74 I 2 0 0 cecum CRC M 62 I 2 0 0 rectosigmoid CRC F 60 II 3 0 0 rectum CRC F 80 II ascending CRC F 70 III 4 2 0 rectum CRC M III 3 1 0 CRC F 75 III 3 1 0 ascending CRC F 49 IV 4 X 1 rectum CRC F 47 I anus CRC M 81 IV 1 CRC F 89 III 3 1 0 rectum CRC M 85 III 3 1 0 cecum CRC M 52 III 2 1 0 CRC M 75 II sigmoid CRC M CRC F 71 CRC M III rectum CRC M 61 3 x 0 descending CRC F 56 unk sigmoid CRC F 68 IV 3 2 1 sigmoid CRC F 65 III 3 2 0 ileo-cecum CRC M 88 II 3 0 0 flexure CRC F 72 III cecum CRC M 61 IV 3 2 1 rectum CRC M III 3 2 CRC M 52 II 3 0 0 transverse CRC M 66 IV 2 0 1 rectum CRC M 64 III ascending CRC F 65 II 3 0 0 CRC M 61 IV 3 2 1 sigmoid CRC M 64 III 3 1 0 ascending CRC M 76 0 0 sigmoid CRC M 64 I 2 0 0 ascending CRC M 56 I 2 0 0 transverse CRC F 67 II 3 0 0 sigmoid CRC M II 3 0 0 ascending CRC M 66 III 4 1 0 CRC M II 3 0 0 CRC F III CRC F 65 I 2 0 X rectum CRC M II 3 0 0 CRC M 40 I FAP CRC M 77 I 2 0 0 rectosigmoid CRC M 65 III 4 2 0 descending CRC M 68 IV sigmoid CRC M 67 II rectum CRC M unk rectum CRC F 63 3 x 0 CRC M 68 unk descending CRC F 53 III 3 1 0 ascending CRC M II 3 0 0 CRC M 68 I 2 0 0 rectum CRC M 84 III rectum CRC F 53 I 1 0 0 descending CRC M 72 III 4 1 0 CRC F 69 I 1 0 0 sigmoid CRC M II 3 0 0 descending CRC M II 3 0 0 cecum Normal F 62 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 62 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 44 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 57 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 51 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 66 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 65 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 55 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 70 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 40 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 42 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 68 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 67 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 53 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 50 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 50 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 51 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 56 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 58 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 67 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 55 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 62 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 66 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 56 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 56 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 69 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood

TABLE 14 Sample set 2 according to Example 3. Sample Type Sex Age Stage T N M Location CRC F 49 IV ascending CRC F 72 IV sigmoid CRC M 69 IV sigmoid CRC F 58 III 3 1 X ascending CRC F 60 II rectum CRC F 74 I 2 0 0 cecum CRC F 70 III 3 1 0 terminal ileum CRC F 69 I 2 0 0 cecum CRC F 39 III 4 1 0 sigmoid CRC M 56 I 2 0 0 sigmoid CRC F II 3 0 0 CRC M 64 I 2 0 0 sigmoid CRC M 45 IV 4 2 1 cecum CRC F 54 III 3 2 0 cecum CRC M 42 IV 3 0 1 CRC M 73 I 1 0 0 rectum CRC M 62 III 3 1 CRC M I 2 0 0 ascending CRC F 75 III 3 1 0 ascending CRC M 74 III 3 1 0 rectosigmoid CRC F 68 IV 3 2 1 sigmoid CRC F 75 IV transverse CRC M 85 III 3 1 0 cecum CRC M 80 III 3 1 0 rectosigmoid CRC M 66 III 4 1 0 CRC F 70 III 4 2 0 rectum CRC F 89 III 3 1 0 rectum CRC M 67 CRC F 67 II 3 0 0 sigmoid CRC M 66 IV 2 0 1 rectum CRC F 56 unk sigmoid CRC M 72 III 2 1 0 rectum CRC F 80 II ascending CRC M 75 II sigmoid CRC F 49 IV 4 X 1 rectum CRC M III rectum CRC F 60 II 3 0 0 rectum CRC M 62 I 2 0 0 rectosigmoid CRC M 88 II 3 0 0 flexure CRC M 61 IV 3 2 1 sigmoid CRC M 61 3 x 0 descending CRC F 64 III rectum CRC M III rectum CRC M 52 II 3 0 0 transverse CRC F 71 CRC M 81 IV 1 CRC F 65 III 3 2 0 ileo-cecum CRC M CRC F 65 II 3 0 0 CRC F 72 III cecum CRC M 61 IV 3 2 1 rectum CRC M 52 III 2 1 0 CRC M II 3 0 0 CRC F 47 I anus CRC M II 3 0 0 ascending CRC M 64 III 3 1 0 ascending CRC M 64 I 2 0 0 ascending CRC M 76 0 0 sigmoid CRC M 56 I 2 0 0 transverse CRC M 65 III 4 2 0 descending CRC M 40 I FAP CRC F 53 I 1 0 0 descending CRC M II 3 0 0 CRC M III 3 2 CRC M unk rectum CRC M 68 I 2 0 0 rectum CRC F 63 3 x 0 CRC F III CRC M 67 II rectum CRC F 65 I 2 0 X rectum CRC M 64 III ascending CRC M 68 IV sigmoid CRC M II 3 0 0 CRC M 72 III 4 1 0 CRC M 77 I 2 0 0 rectosigmoid CRC F 53 III 3 1 0 ascending CRC F 69 I 1 0 0 sigmoid CRC M 84 III rectum CRC M II 3 0 0 descending CRC M 68 unk descending CRC M II 3 0 0 cecum Normal M 55 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 62 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 57 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 62 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 65 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 44 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 68 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 70 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 58 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 62 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 53 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 42 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 51 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 66 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 51 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 40 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 56 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 56 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 50 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 50 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal F 67 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 67 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 55 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 66 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood Normal M 56 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. Blood

TABLE 15 Proportion samples from sample set 1 according to Example 3 with methylation within various thresholds. Assays CRC CRC CRC Blood Blood Blood >10%** >20%** >30%** 2 of 2 +* 1 of 2 +** >1% SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2) 75 62 46 1 1 0 % 82.41758 68.13187 50.54945 3.703704 3.703704 0 SEQ ID NO: 6 (Assay 6)/SEQ 79 69 59 2 11 5 ID NO: 1.2 % 86.81319 75.82418 64.83516 7.407407 40.74074 18.51852 SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2)/SEQ 78 62 45 1 1 0 ID NO: 4 (Assay 5)/SEQ ID NO: 15174 (Assay 3) % 85.71429 68.13187 49.45055 3.703704 3.703704 0 SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2)/SEQ 77 66 51 1 1 0 ID NO: 5 (Assay 3) % 84.61538 72.52747 56.04396 3.703704 3.703704 0 SEQ ID NO: 6 (Assay 6)/SEQ 79 69 58 2 11 5 ID NO: 1 (Assay 2)/SEQ ID NO: 4 (Assay 5) % 86.81319 75.82418 63.73626 7.407407 40.74074 18.51852 SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2)/SEQ 78 66 51 1 1 0 ID NO: 4 (Assay 5)/SEQ ID NO: 15174 (Assay 3) % 85.71429 72.52747 56.04396 3.703704 3.703704 0 SEQ ID NO: 1 (Assay 2)/SEQ 79 69 59 2 11 0 ID NO: 6 (Assay 6)/SEQ ID NO: 15174 (Assay 3) % 86.81319 75.82418 64.83516 7.407407 40.74074 0 *Both replicates tested positive **One of two replicates tested positive or measured within threshold

TABLE 16 Proportion samples from sample set 2 according to Example 3 with methylation within various thresholds. CRC CRC CRC Blood Blood NAT NAT NAT >10%* >20%* >30%* Positive* >1%* <5%* 5-10%* >10%* SEQ ID NO: 66 54 37 2 1 15 6 1 1 (Assay 7)LC % 81.48148 66.66667 45.67901 7.692308 3.846154 68.18182 27.27273 4.545455 SEQ ID NO: 69 57 42 3 2 1 (Assay 7)-LC/SEQ ID NO: 28 (Assay 2) % 85.18519 70.37037 51.85185 11.53846 7.692308 SEQ ID NO: 68 55 39 2 1 1 (Assay 7)-LC/SEQ ID NO: 24 (Assay 5b) % 83.95062 67.90123 48.14815 7.692308 3.846154 SEQ ID NO: 68 58 46 6 5 1 (Assay 7)-Taqman % 83.95062 71.60494 56.79012 23.07692 19.23077 *One of two replicates tested positive or measured within threshold

TABLE 17 Assays according to Example 3 Genomic SEQ ID NO: Assay Primer Primer Blocker Probe Probe SEQ ID HM ccaaaaccta tctaaataac Tacaacacc GTtAATTG CGtCGttA NO: 24 aacttacaac aaaatacctc accaacaaa CGGGCG GCGGGT (Assay (SEQ ID catt(SEQ cccaaaaac AtCGA(SEQ GGG(SEQ 5) NO: 102) ID NO: acaa(SEQ ID NO: ID NO: 110) ID NO: 105) 106) 104) SEQ ID HM GttTttTttAtt aAaCTaCA CCTTaTC CGtttACG CGttCGttT NO: 28 AGTTGGA aCAaaCC CACACTa GttCGCGC GtTTtAGC (Assay AGAttT TTaTC AAaCAaa G (SEQ ID GCG (SEQ 2) (SEQ ID (SEQ ID CAaaCAa NO: 114) ID NO: NO: 111) NO: 112) CACACAa 115) aC (SEQ ID NO:  113) SEQ ID HM ggtgttgtttatt CTaTCCT TCACCAC ttagggggg gttagatgC NO: 29 ttagagagtt CTCCCCT CTTCCCA CGCGgga GtCGtagC (Assay (SEQ ID AaCCCCT aCACTaC (SEQ ID Gttg (SEQ 2b) NO: 116) aTC (SEQ A (SEQ ID NO: 119) ID NO: ID NO: NO: 118) 120) 117)

TABLE 18 Proportion samples from sample set 3 according to Example 3 with methylation within various thresholds. CRC CRC CRC blood blood blood BC BC BC >10% >20% >30% >0.1 >1 >10 >10% >20% >30% SEQ ID NO: 1 6 5 5 0 0 0 4 2 2 (Assay 2) % 50 41.66667 41.66667 0 0 0 28.57143 14.28571 14.28571

TABLE 19 Sample set 3 according to Example 3. Sample Year of Type birth Sex Race Diagnosis CRC 1938 F Asian M0, N0, T3, adenocarcinoma, stage II, well differentiated CRC 1941 F Asian M0, N1, T3, adenocarcinoma, moderately differentiated, stage III, sigmoid CRC 1956 F Asian M0, N1, T2, adenocarcinoma, stage III, well differentiated CRC 1945 F Asian M0, T2, adenocarcinoma, grade 2, N0 CRC 1961 F Asian M0, N1, T3, adenocarcinoma, stage III, well differentiated, sigmoid CRC 1945 F unknown M0, N0, T2, adenocarcinoma, stage I, well differentiated, descending CRC 1970 F Asian M0, N0, T3, adenocarcinoma, moderately differentiated, stage II, ascending CRC 1941 F Asian M0, N0, T3, adenocarcinoma, moderately differentiated, stage II, sigmoid CRC 1952 F White M1, T3, ulcerative, low grade, cancer, sigmoid, stromal CRC 1948 F Asian M0, N1, T3, adenocarcinoma, stage III, ascending, grade 1 CRC 1947 F Asian M0, N0, T3, adenocarcinoma, stage II, well differentiated, grade 1 CRC 1955 F Asian M0, N0, T3, adenocarcinoma, stage II, well differentiated, grade 1, rectum Sample Type Age Sex Blood 16 F Blood 33 F Blood 33 F Blood 35 F Blood 23 F Blood 35 F Blood 19 F Blood 36 F Blood 24 F Blood 37 F Menopausal BC Sample Stage At Time Stage N Type Age Sex Of Diagnosis Stage Value Breast 63 F post N1 Cancer menopausal Breast 59 F post N0 Cancer menopausal Breast 56 F post N0 Cancer menopausal Breast 45 F pre N2 Cancer menopausal Breast 85 F post N0 Cancer menopausal Breast 65 F post N0 Cancer menopausal Breast 32 F pre N2 Cancer menopausal Breast 47 F pre N1 Cancer menopausal Breast 44 F pre N0 Cancer menopausal Breast 29 F pre Cancer menopausal Breast 37 F pre N0 Cancer menopausal Breast 44 F pre N0 Cancer menopausal Breast 52 F post N0 Cancer menopausal Breast 54 F pre N0 Cancer menopausal

TABLE 20 Results of Example 4 Disease type total + samples total sample # Other cancers Bladder 4 10 Breast 5 29 Liver 7 9 Lung 10 26 Prostate 5 29 Stomach 2 7 Pancreas 1 8 Other diseases appendicitis 1 6 cholecystitis 3 10 IBD 4 17 diabetes 3 10 esophagitis 2 10 gastritis 3 11 chronic heart disease 5 10 pancreatitis 3 10 pyelonephritis 5 10 respiratory tract infection 3 10 severe allergy 4 11 diverticulosis/diverticulitis 0 5 rheumatoid arthritis 0 9 chronic renal disease 0 9 non-rheumatoid arthritis 0 10

TABLE 21 Primers and genomic equivalents of amplificates according to Example 5. Genomic Ampicon Amplicon equivalent Primer Primer Amplicon Amplicon name in SEQ ID 1 SEQ 2 SEQ name size figures NO: PCR primer 1 ID NO: PCR primer 2 ID NO: gamma-rc1 493 1 129 gamma-rc1F 130 gamma-rc1R 131 gamma-rc2 428 2 132 gamma-rc2F 133 gamma-rc2R 134 gamma-3-2 557 3 135 gamma-3F_2 136 gamma-3R 137 gamma-4 556 4 138 gamma-4F 139 gamma-4R 140 epsilon-1 529 5 141 epsilon-1F 142 epsilon-1R 143 epsilon-rc2 550 6 144 epsilon-rc2F 145 epsilon-rc2R 146 epsilon-rc3 423 7 147 epsilon-rc3F 148 epsilon-rc3R 149 beta-rc1 282 8 150 beta-rc1F 151 beta-rc1R 152 alpha-1 459 9 153 alpha-1F 154 alpha-1R 155 alpha 260 10 156 alpha-F 157 alpha-R 158 Note: Amplicons with “rc” in their names were amplified from the Bis2 strand, others from the Bis1 strand. 

1.-31. (canceled)
 32. A method for detecting and/or classifying a hepatocellular cancer or hepatocellular cell proliferative disorder in a subject, comprising: a) extracting or otherwise isolating genomic DNA comprising a Septin 9 gene from a biological sample obtained from the subject; b) treating the genomic DNA of a), or a fragment thereof comprising the Septin 9 gene, with one or more reagents to convert cytosine bases that are unmethylated in the 5-position thereof to uracil or to another base that is detectably dissimilar to cytosine in terms of hybridization properties; c) contacting the treated genomic DNA, or the treated fragment thereof, with an amplification enzyme and at least one oligonucleotide or peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomer comprising a contiguous sequence of at least 9 nucleotides that is identical to, complementary to, or hybridizes under moderately stringent or stringent conditions to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:4 to 15, and the complements thereof, wherein the treated genomic DNA or the fragment thereof is either amplified to produce at least one amplificate, or is not amplified; d) determining, based on a presence or absence of, or on a property of said amplificate, the methylation state or level of at least one CpG dinucleotide of the Septin 9 gene, or an average, or a value reflecting an average methylation state or level of a plurality of CpG dinucleotides of the Septin 9 gene; and e) detecting and/or classifying a hepatocellular cancer or hepatocellular cell proliferative disorder in the subject based on increased CpG methylation of the Septin 9 gene, relative to that of a control sample or known standard.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein a neoplastic hepatocellular cell proliferative disorder is distinguished from a benign hepatocellular cell proliferative disorder, and wherein the presence of said increased CpG methylation is indicative of the presence of a neoplastic hepatocellular cell proliferative disorder, and the absence thereof is indicative of the presence of a benign hepatocellular cell proliferative disorder.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein said hepatocellular cell proliferative disorder is hepatocellular cancer.
 35. The method of claim 32, wherein hepatocellular cancer is detected or classified.
 36. The method of claim 32, wherein the at least one oligonucleotide or peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomer of step c) is not identical or complementary to all or a portion of the sequences according to SEQ ID NO: 1 to 3 or other naturally occurring DNA.
 37. The method of claim 32, wherein the biological sample obtained from the subject is selected from the group consisting of cell lines, histological slides, biopsies, paraffin-embedded tissue, body fluids, stool, colonic effluent, urine, blood plasma, blood serum, whole blood, isolated blood cells, cells isolated from the blood, and combinations thereof.
 38. The method of claim 32, wherein treating the genomic DNA, or the fragment thereof in b), comprises use of a reagent selected from the group comprising of bisulfite, hydrogen sulfite, disulfite, and combinations thereof.
 39. The method of claim 32, wherein the oligonucleotide or peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomer of c) is a methylation-unspecific primer.
 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising, in the determining of d), the use of at least one nucleic acid molecule or peptide nucleic acid molecule comprising in each case a contiguous sequence at least 9 nucleotides in length that is identical to, complementary to, or hybridizes under moderately stringent or stringent conditions to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:4 to 15, and the complements thereof, wherein said nucleic acid molecule or peptide nucleic acid molecule suppresses amplification of the nucleic acid to which it is hybridized.
 41. The method of claim 32, wherein determining in d) comprises hybridization of at least one nucleic acid molecule or peptide nucleic acid molecule in each case comprising a contiguous sequence at least 9 nucleotides in length that is identical to, complementary to, or hybridizes under moderately stringent or stringent conditions to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:4 to 15, and the complements thereof.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein at least one such hybridizing nucleic acid molecule or peptide nucleic acid molecule is bound to a solid phase.
 43. The method of claim 42, further comprising extending at least one such hybridized nucleic acid molecule by at least one nucleotide base.
 44. The method of claim 32, wherein determining in d), comprises sequencing of the amplificate.
 45. The method of claim 32, wherein the oligonucleotide or peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomer of c) is a methylation-specific primer.
 46. The method of claim 32, wherein the contacting of c) comprises use of at least one method selected from the group comprising: use of a heat-resistant DNA polymerase as the amplification enzyme; use of a polymerase lacking 5′-3′ exonuclease activity; use of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR); generation of an amplificate nucleic acid molecule carrying a detectable label.
 47. A method for detecting and/or classifying a hepatocellular cancer or hepatocellular cell proliferative disorder in a subject, comprising: a) extracting or otherwise isolating genomic DNA comprising a Septin 9 gene from a biological sample obtained from the subject; b) digesting the genomic DNA of a), or a fragment thereof comprising the Septin 9 gene, with one or more methylation sensitive restriction enzymes; c) contacting the DNA restriction enzyme digest of b), with an amplification enzyme and at least two primers suitable for the amplification of a sequence comprising at least one CpG dinucleotide of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 3; d) determining, based on a presence or absence of an amplificate the methylation state or level of at least one CpG dinucleotide of the Septin 9 gene; and e) detecting and/or classifying a hepatocellular cancer or hepatocellular cell proliferative disorder in the subject based on increased CpG methylation of the Septin 9 gene, relative to that of a control sample or known standard.
 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the presence or absence of an amplificate is determined by means of hybridization to at least one nucleic acid or peptide nucleic acid which is identical, complementary, or hybridizes under stringent conditions to an at least 16 base long segment of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to
 3. 49. The method of claim 32, comprising application of the method to monitoring of the hepatocellular cancer or hepatocellular cell proliferative disorder in the subject. 